ATC to confirm Nature Strip for Everest

Nature Strip is expected to be confirmed as the Australian Turf Club’s runner in the $13 million Everest.

The Darren Weir-trained four-year-old set a Moonee Valley 1000m-record of 56.95 seconds in Saturday’s McEwan Stakes.

The sprinter has had 11 starts for eight wins and two minor placings with the Group Two McEwan his most significant victory.

The ATC and managing owner Rod Lyons are expected to finalise details on Monday leaving one slot to be filled.

A group headed by Max Whitby and Neil Werrett originally had Menari as their representative but the four-year-old suffered an injury in training and has been retired to stud.

Last year’s inaugural Everest winner Redzel is the $5 favourite to defend his title on October 13 with Nature Strip an $8 chance in the TAB’s market.