Chris Waller says there may need to be a rematch between Home Affairs and Nature Strip after the stablemates ran the quinella in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes at Flemington.
Home Affairs ($7.50) under James Mcdonald held-off the $2.20 favourite Nature Strip (Jamie Kah) by a short-half-head at the end of the 1000m dash with Eduardo ($3.80) a further 1-½ lengths away third.
Waller was full of praise for both horses after Nature Strip, ridden by Jamie Kah and aiming for his second win in the Lightning Stakes, blew the start.
“It was a tragedy from the start with Nature Strip, unfortunately,” Waller said.
“Not only did he get one knock, he then got sandwiched as well, so for him to recover and run so close, I think it makes it disappointing for the connections, but great for the horse.
“He’s a very good horse, as simple as that.”
On the other hand, Waller said it was a gamble bringing Home Affairs to Melbourne to tackle the best sprinters in Australia first-up.
Home Affairs was dominant in the spring three-year-old races, claiming the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington last October.
“He raced against the young horses and dominated last preparation and now he’s come back and beaten the best at weight-for-age,” Waller said.
“So, it’s pretty exciting going forward.”
Waller said it would be up to the handicapper whether Home Affairs runs in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 12 while Nature Strip is expected to return to Sydney to further his campaign.
“They’ll be both going home for an ice tub and beach tomorrow and reassess on Monday,” Waller said.
“We might need a rematch. Whether it comes in the Newmarket, I don’t know, but he’ll (Nature Strip) get his chance to beat him (Home Affairs) in the TJ Smith in Sydney.”
McDonald said it was stressful the final 100m as the two sprinters fought out a thrilling finish.
He said Home Affairs was an “absolute superstar” and knows how to fight.
“I knew that he would be in for the fight, even though the first half didn’t go to plan, but that is just how good he is,” McDonald said.
“Trained by Chris (Waller) who would have had both horses peaking on the day and there wasn’t a hair in it. So, Nature Strip is the world’s best sprinter at this stage and this fella is banging down the door.”