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Nature Strip wins Darley Sprint Classic, Group 1, $2,000,000 at Flemington, 1200m.
Nature Strip was quite outstanding in scoring here, his third Group 1 victory and his 12th win in 20 starts.
He went to the front as expected but travelled seemingly within himself for James McDonald at quite good tempo, racing near the grandstand side.
He dashed clear on passing the 400m and then went on to score easily in a most impressive victory.
Talented filly Loving Gaby settled in sixth place, before improving in the centre of the track from the 400m.
She went to second at the 200m and then fought gamely for the runner-up spot in another smart performance.
In Her Time tracked the leader and eventual winner (Nature Strip) and then held on well for third.
Alizee settled in last place in the nine-horse field, tracked up (behind Loving Gaby) from the 400m and then kept fighting on quite well for (5.75 lengths) fourth, narrowly in front of the favourite Santa Ana Lane who made late ground from back in seventh place to finish (5.85 lengths) fifth.