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| Staff Writer |
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Giga Kick is heating up for his eagerly anticipated return, scorching the Randwick turf in a talent-laden 900m trial on Friday. The dual Group One winner and 2022 The Everest champion, trained by Clayton Douglas, put in an eye-catching performance that has set tongues wagging ahead of his seasonal debut.
Sitting fourth early, the son of Scissor Kick improved from the midway point under the guidance of James McDonald. With just a touch of encouragement from the saddle, Giga Kick surged alongside Linebacker, before being given an easy time in the closing stages. The 5YO cruised home three-quarters-of-a-length clear of the Champagne Stakes runner-up on the Good 4 track, with Punch Lane 1-1/4 lengths back in third, a half-length ahead of Doncaster Mile victor Celestial Legend.
This latest workout marks Giga Kick's second Sydney trial, following a runner-up finish to Golden Slipper heroine Lady Of Camelot over 850m on a heavy track on 19 August. Prior to his northern sojourn, the gelding had a tune-up in a Mornington jump-out.
Clayton Douglas, the rising star trainer, was effusive in his praise for Giga Kick's progression. "He's come on a lot from his last trial on that heavy ground. It was good to see him on some drier ground up here today, and his recovery was really good," Douglas remarked. "He's obviously ready to go now and tomorrow week we will find out where we are at. He's in really good order and I'm really happy with him."
The US$673,000 Gr.3 Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Randwick next Saturday is the target for Giga Kick's return to competitive action. James McDonald, who partnered the sprinter in Friday's trial, will take the reins for what will be his first race ride on the gelding.
Giga Kick's trial was just one of several heats featuring potential spring stars. Group One-winning former Kiwi mare Belclare narrowly outpointed Cafe Millenium in the second trial, with Sunshine In Paris and Schwarz filling minor placings.
Newgate and the China Horse Club showcased their firepower with impressive six-length victories by a pair of Deep Field colts, High Octane and Bases Loaded. The latter's stablemate from the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott yard, Espionage, finished second to Way To The Stars in his first trial of the campaign.
The Concorde Stakes has a rich history of showcasing top-class sprinters. Notable recent winners include the legendary Redzel, who claimed back-to-back victories in 2017 and 2018 before going on to win The Everest in both years. Nature Strip, another sprinting superstar, took out the 2019 and 2021 editions, later adding The Everest and Royal Ascot triumphs to his illustrious CV.
As Giga Kick prepares to join this roll of honour, the racing world watches with bated breath. With his scintillating trial form and the expert handling of Clayton Douglas, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in the annals of Australian sprinting.