Nature Strip wins Charter Keck Cramer Moir Stakes Group 1, $1,000,000 at Moonee Valley, 1000m.

Nature Strip began reasonably well from his inside barrier (1) and soon drove through along the inner to take the lead.

He was then pressured from the 600m (by Miss Leonidas) before getting a break on straightening. He then had enough in hand to hold on and record a good win, his second at Group 1 level.

The outsider Miss Leonidas showed good early pace but was caught three wide before moving up to race outside of the leader (Nature Strip).

She then held on surprisingly well for a very good second after working most of the way.

Multiple Group 1-winning mare Sunlight settled in ninth place, one off the rails, before tracking up (deep) rounding the home turn and under pressure.

She then came with a strong late run to grab third in a smart effort.

Faatinah was caught deep in seventh place from his outside barrier (15) before improving nicely to be third at the home turn.

He then held on very well for a close-up fourth while Bons Away came with a strong late run from beyond mid-field to finish a good fifth.