THE Darren Weir-trained Nature Strip sizzled around Moonee Valley’s turning 1,000 metre course to set a new track record of 56.95 seconds in taking out the Group 2 McEwen Stakes last Saturday.

Breaking from the inside gate, none could find a way past as the Nicconi gelding won by a nose, having begun to fade in the final 50 metres, second was Houtzen just ahead of Everest-bound Shoals.