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| Staff Writer |
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Randwick's blockbuster Saturday card features a tantalising prelude to the US$11.5 million Gr.1 TAB Everest, with 16 speedsters nominated for the US$575,000 Gr.2 Premiere Stakes over 1200m. Heading the stellar cast is last year's Everest hero, Giga Kick.
The Clayton Douglas-trained 5YO is plotting a course back to the Everest summit after a near year-long injury layoff. Giga Kick's return to action saw him finish fifth behind I Am Me in the Gr.3 Concorde Stakes over 1000m at Randwick on September 7th. Douglas then sent his charge for a winning trial at Canterbury over 901m on the 24th.
Also among the nominations is the Ciaron Maher-trained Bella Nipotina, who narrowly missed out in the Concorde Stakes. The multiple Group One-winning 7YO Pride Of Dubai mare will represent TAB's slot in The Everest.
Last year's Everest champion, Think About It, is set to make his comeback for trainer Joe Pride. The gelding was last seen finishing fifth in the Gr.1 Kingsford-Smith over 1300m at Eagle Farm on June 1st.
The Premiere Stakes has a rich history of producing top-class sprinters. Notable past winners include Classique Legend, who went on to claim The Everest in 2020, and Eduardo, who triumphed in 2021 before finishing third in that year's Everest.
Saturday's card also marks the first raceday appearance for the juvenile crop, with dual US$143,750 Group Three contests over 1000m. The Gimcrack Stakes for fillies has attracted 19 nominations, while the Breeders' Plate for colts and geldings has drawn 12 entries.