Chris Waller has confirmed that Jamie Kah will be reunited with Nature Strip in the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m), with James McDonald set to partner last year's Coolmore Stud Stakes winner, Home Affairs.
The pair will both resume their autumn campaigns at Flemington on February 19, with Waller saying it is “disappointing” to have to run the two star sprinters against one another.
McDonald has built a terrific partnership with Nature Strip, winning numerous Group 1 races together, as well as The Everest in 2021.
“It is disappointing to have to run two horses like this together but it is also a privilege to have both horses in our care,” Waller said in a statement.
“James McDonald feels the same way and unfortunately can't ride both horses.
“It is likely James will ride Home Affairs and without going into the details as to 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.”
Home Affairs was dominant in winning the Coolmore Stud Stakes last spring in his most recent outing, which put him in contention for a trip to Europe this year alongside stablemate Verry Elleegant.
Although it was expected that McDonald would stick with Nature Strip, Waller insists it was a simple decision to put Kah on the seven-year-old given their past success together.
“It was logical that Jamie Kah continues her association with Nature Strip having partnered him to win the race last year,” he said.
“I am hoping that both riders will be available on Friday morning to join the horses in their workout up the straight at Flemington which will be their final piece of fast work ahead of the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes.”
Waller thanked Nature Strip's owners for understanding his position, saying they are “deserved owners of one of the world's best sprinters”
Both horses arrived safely in Melbourne, and the trainer was pleased with their appearance 12 days out from the race.
Nature Strip is an easing favourite since this announcement, drifting from +125 out to +160 with Bovada, while Home Affairs has firmed from +400 into +320, placing the colt on the second line of betting.