Ageless warriors go head-to-head for 13th time in Concorde

Eduardo beats Nature Strip in the 2021 Challenge Stakes. Picture: Mark Evans–Getty Images

The enduring rivalry between Sydney's ageless sprinters Nature Strip and Eduardo continues with another stellar showdown at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Nature Strip and Eduardo will clash for the 13th time when the duo resume in the Group 3 $1 million Concorde Stakes (1000m).

Champion Nature Strip holds an 8-4 lead over Eduardo in their head-to-head meetings.

However, Eduardo is 2-0 over Nature Strip when they have clashed over the Randwick 1000m course including his track record 55.2 dash to edge out his arch rival in an epic Challenge Stakes two years ago.

Eduardo is the also reigning Concorde Stakes winner, a race Nature Strip also won two years ago.

But the most telling statistic is their ages – Nature Strip is now a nine-year-old and Eduardo a spritely 10-year-old.

They are at an age where most racehorses are enjoying retirement but both geldings still retain the zest, enthusiasm and natural speed to compete at the elite level.

Chris Waller, trainer of Nature Strip, said the nine-time Group 1 winner of more than $20 million prizemoney, is showing all the right signs in trackwork and barrier trials ahead of his Concorde comeback.

"I am looking forward to it. He's trialled well, everybody's seen how he's come back," Waller said.

"Over 1000m, they'll go quick, that's my only concern, the distance, but from where he's at from my side of the fence, I couldn't have him any better. Everyone from my team is happy and confident he'll run well.

"But both his trials have been brilliant. We've just got positive comments every time he has worked.''

Eduardo's trainer Joe Pride is also optimistic his 10-year-old gelding, the winner of 12 races including two Group 1 races and more than $7.8 million prizemoney, is still a sprinting force, particularly over 1000m.

"Eduardo's only had 34 starts so he hasn't been overly taxed,'' Pride said. "I would love to think he has a few more good races in him.

"He's basically the fastest horse around, anything that ever leads him early in a race never wins. He can lead any field and quite often he is still in front at the finish.''

The Concorde Stakes has attracted only nine entries but will still be the race of the day with Godolphin's glamour mare In Secret and stablemate Zapateo, plus Group 1 winner Bella Nipotina taking on Nature Strip and Eduardo.

In Secret is considered Godolphin's number one seed for the $20 million The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick on October 14 and is joint favourite at $3 with Nature Strip in early TAB Fixed Odds betting for the Concorde Stakes.

Waller, who is hopeful Nature Strip will get back to his best and secure a start in The Everest for a record fifth consecutive year, said the Concorde Stakes isn't "make or break" for the champion chestnut.

"I'm not saying he's going to be retired if he doesn't win, but he needs to run well to continue,'' Waller said.

"We're not here just to make up the numbers, we're here to make sure that he's back. He doesn't deserve to be going around if he's not.

"Our (Everest) slot wants the best horse they can get. I think it is an advantage to be able to train your slot because you know exactly where they're at.

"Like every slot holder, if he runs well on Saturday, our slot will certainly be trying to lock him in, but there will be stiff competition.''

THE RIVALRY – NATURE STRIP V EDUARDO

Head-to-head

12 clashes – Nature Strip holding an 8-4 lead

Randwick 1000m

Eduardo 2 – Nature Strip 0

Course record: Eduardo ran 55.2s to beat Nature Strip in the 2021 Challenge Stakes