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| Staff Writer |
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Giga Kick is showing promising signs as he prepares for his next big test on the road to the Gr.1 TAB Everest, impressing in a crucial barrier trial session at Canterbury on Tuesday. The Clayton Douglas-trained gelding, winner of the 2022 Everest, delivered a stunning last-to-first victory in his 901m heat, clocking 54.88sec with a final 600m in 34.13sec.
Champion rider James McDonald, who partnered Giga Kick in the trial, was effusive in his praise. "He was superb this morning," McDonald told Racenet. "He has obviously been improving all the time with fitness and that's been the biggest key."
Trainer Clayton Douglas expressed satisfaction with his charge's performance, noting, "He quickened really strongly and seems to have come through it really well. We always thought the month between runs would suit and giving him another trial to tune up so he will be pretty ready now for Saturday week and then only two weeks to The Everest."
The son of Group One-winning sprinter Scissor Kick is now set to contest the Group Two US$683,000 Premiere Stakes at Royal Randwick on September 30, where he'll have the opportunity to showcase his credentials to Everest slot-holders.
In a separate trial, last year's Everest winner Think About It also caught the eye. The Joe Pride-trained gelding, yet to secure an Everest slot, ran a close second to Godolphin sprinter Corniche in his 901m heat. New jockey Jason Collett, who rode Think About It in the trial, reported, "That was his second trial, he was more comfortable today and not as fresh. He had a nice hit out and that will bring him on."
Pride remains committed to his strategy of kicking off Think About It's Everest title defence in the Premiere Stakes, just two weeks before the main event.
The Everest, now in its seventh year, has seen a stellar list of winners since its inception in 2017. Redzel claimed the inaugural running and successfully defended his title in 2018. Other winners include Yes Yes Yes (2019), Classique Legend (2020), Nature Strip (2021), and Giga Kick (2022).
Last year's runner-up, I Wish I Win, remains among the top fancies for this year's edition. The Peter Moody-trained sprinter is set to contest Friday night's Group One US$1.37 million Manikato Stakes (1200m) at The Valley, a crucial stepping stone towards his Everest campaign.
The TAB Everest, with its US$10.27 million purse, stands as the world's richest turf race. It brings together the finest sprinters in a high-stakes battle of speed and strategy at Royal Randwick. As the contenders continue their preparations, the racing world eagerly anticipates another thrilling edition of this prestigious event.