Nature Strip brings Royal Ascot glory to Australia in King's Stand Stakes
Multiple Group One winner Nature Strip brought home a Royal Ascot win for Australia in the King's Stand Stakes.
The Chris Waller-trained Nature Strip was the 9/4 second-favourite ahead of the much-anticipated international clash with Wesley Ward's American challenger and dual Breeders' Cup winner Golden Pal.
The writing was on the wall for supporters of the Golden Pal soon after the gates opened, however, with the usually rapid starter completely missing the break, from which point it was all about the Australian runner.
The rest of the field were simply left trailing in his wake as the seven-year-old engaged overdrive and passed the post with four and a half lengths in hand over Twilight Calls, with 200/1 shot Acklam Express and Mooneista close up in third and fourth respectively.
🚀🇦🇺 Wow! What a performance from NATURE STRIP!
— Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) June 14, 2022
The Australian raider takes the King's Stand Stakes. pic.twitter.com/rZsJs0qdJQ