Nature Strip (Image: Racing Photos)
Rod Lyons admits that if he was an Everest slot-holder he would want another look at his emerging star sprinter Nature Strip, who is set to lay his credentials bare in Saturday's McEwen Stakes at The Valley.
"I can understand where they are coming from," Lyons said of the remaining two slot-holders. "If I had a slot, I think I'd like to see him have one more run."
But Lyons said he and the other part-owners of Nature Strip will only make a deal with a slot-holder that is reasonable for the horse's connections.
Nature Strip was one of 13 horses nominated on Monday for the $200,000 Group 2 race over the 1000-metre trip at The Valley, which looks certain to determine the immediate future for one of the country's most hyped sprinters.
"Coming from the business world, when you have something they want, you can negotiate in a stronger position so we'll wait and see what Saturday brings," Lyons said.
"One of the negotiations did fall down based on the terms and conditions they wanted and we weren't prepared to meet.
"We are not in a position as a group to sell our soul just to get a run. If he's as good as Darren (Weir) thinks he is, this time next year it might be a different kettle of fish."
Lyons said of the two remaining slot-holders he felt the Australian Turf Club represented the best chance for a late position in the $13 million race.
"They have been up the front and they have told us we are in the mix but that they want to watch the horse run one more time," he said.
"I think they (ATC) are our only possibility. I heard (the other remaining slot holder) Max Whitby speak last night and he said you need a 1200- or 1400-metre horse so you'd think that would rule out Nature Strip."
Lyons said Saturday's scenario was clear if Nature Strip was to earn a late berth.
"He'd want to win impressively and not just fall in," he said. "If he runs it out strongly, I think we're in the picture.
"It's a good Group 2 on Saturday so if he can come out and win that race comfortably, they have to sit up and take notice.
"Hopefully an impressive win and we can start to talk turkey.
"Times don't lie. The form guys tell me his times are unbelievable but they don't have a slot unfortunately."