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| Staff Writer |
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The spring carnival is set to kick into high gear at Randwick on Saturday, with Giga Kick headlining a stellar list of nominations for the Gr.1 Concorde Stakes. The Clayton Douglas-trained gelding, who famously claimed The Everest in 2022, is poised to make his eagerly anticipated return in the US$641,000 1000m sprint.
Last seen finishing third in the Gr.2 McEwen Stakes at The Valley a year ago, the 5YO son of Scissor Kick has been meticulously prepared for his comeback. A recent trial at Randwick on August 30th saw Giga Kick cruise to a three-quarter length victory, clocking an impressive 33.52 seconds for the final 600m.
Adding spice to the contest, Joe Pride has thrown his hat into the ring with a formidable duo. Private Eye, the 7YO Al Maher gelding who chased home Giga Kick in The Everest, is among the entries. With 11 wins from 35 starts and over US$6.8 million in prize money, he's a proven performer at the highest level. Joining him is stablemate Dragonstone, a Listed winner looking to step up in class.
Not to be outdone, Ciaron Maher has put forward his Group One heroine Bella Nipotina. The Pride Of Dubai mare, now seven, capped off a stellar last campaign with victory in the Group One Tattersall's Tiara over 1400m at Eagle Farm in June. Having amassed an eye-watering US$7 million in career earnings, she'll be looking to add to that impressive tally.
The Concorde Stakes boasts a rich history, with past winners including the likes of Chautauqua (2016) and Nature Strip (2019, 2021). Both went on to claim The Everest in their respective years, highlighting the race's importance as a springboard to spring riches.
Alongside the Concorde, Saturday's card features a trio of Group Two contests, each carrying a US$192,000 purse. The Chelmsford Stakes (1600m), Tramway Stakes (1400m), and Darley Furious Stakes (1200m) have attracted fields of 13, 19, and 16 respectively.
In the Furious Stakes, the second leg of the Darley Princess Series for three-year-old fillies, Ameena from the Anthony and Sam Freedman yard will be looking to follow up her Silver Shadow Stakes triumph. She's set for a rematch with placegetters Silmarillion and Manaal in what promises to be a hotly contested affair.
With a total of 177 nominations across the ten-race card, the Australian Turf Club is gearing up for a blockbuster day of racing. The Randwick course proper is currently rated a Good 4, with the rail set to be out 6m for the entire circuit.
Sydney's weather forecast bodes well for racegoers, with temperatures expected to peak at 29C on Friday before settling to a pleasant 18-23C on Saturday under partly cloudy skies.