Nature Strip has tuned up for his next Group One assignment with a barrier trial win at Randwick, although things did not quite go to plan.
With James McDonald visibly restraining him to sit behind the leaders, Nature Strip threw his head around until his jockey decided against the tactic and let him stride freely.
The winner of The Galaxy last month, Nature Strip is the favourite for the Group One Doomben 10,000 on May 11.
Nature Strip ran the 1045m on Friday morning in 1.01.83, the fastest of nine heats over the distance.
Trained by Chris Waller, Nature Strip edged out Pierata to win the Galaxy with the latter successful in last Saturday's All Aged Stakes.