KAH BACK ABOARD NATURE STRIP

Jamie Kah to partner with Nature Strip for Lightning Stakes

Jamie Kah is set to ride Nature Strip once again when the Waller stable sends the Everest  winner south to compete in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes.

Kah was onboard Nature Strip in 2021 when he won the Lightning Stakes during the Covid period which stopped regular jockey James McDonald travelling to Melbourne to compete. 

Waller declared booking Kah to ride Nature Strip once again was the logical decision after winning the race last time out. 

With McDonald now able to travel it looks likely the Melbourne Cup winning hoop will ride against his usual mount.

Trainer Chris Waller confirmed McDonald will ride Coolmore Stud Stakes winner Home Affairs in the $1m weight-for-age event.

Waller wouldn’t be drawn on the reasons for McDonald riding Home Affairs in the Lightning but it is believed the jockey has been booked to ride the colt through his entire campaign.

“It is disappointing we have to run two horses like this together, but it is also a privilege to have both horses in our care,” Waller said.

“It is likely that James will ride Home Affairs, and without going into the reasons why, it is certainly no reflection on how either horse is going.

“In fact, Nature Strip is clearly the best of the two and Home Affairs needs to continue to improve to get up to Nature Strip’s level.

“I am sure with time, he will and whether that be first-up or later in the preparation, only time will tell.”

Nature Strip is a $2.50 favourite in early Lightning Stakes betting while Home Affairs is a $4.50 third pick.

The Joe Pride-trained Eduardo splits the Waller-trained pair in Lightning Stakes betting at $4.

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