Undefeated Giga Kick to contest Vain Stakes

Clayton Douglas is under no illusions at the difficult task confronting Giga Kick at Caulfield.

Undefeated in his first two starts, Giga Kick runs in the Group 3 Vain Stakes (1100m) on Saturday which will give the former jockey turned trainer a guide to what may lay ahead in the Spring Carnival.

Giga Kick holds a nomination for the Caulfield Guineas (1600m) in October while the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington is also in the back on Douglas’ mind.

But before those Group 1 races can be contemplated, Douglas needs to see Giga Kick tackle better company than he has met so far in a two-year-old maiden win at Sale in February and a 1000m victory up the straight at Flemington last month.

“It’s a nice steppingstone for him,” Douglas said.

“If he wins or runs well, we can think about the bigger races, if not we can come back a peg or two.

“There’s some good colts in the race and if we can win that, then I’d say we’ve got a serious horse on our hands.”

Since the Flemington victory on July 16, Giga Kick has been taken to the Pakenham jump-outs on August 2 where he finished second.

Ater Matthew Cartwright rode the gelding to victory at Flemington, Craig Williams has jumped aboard in the jump-out and will take the ride on Saturday.

“I think the horse has improved off his first-up run. He’s had another trial since his win, so fitness wise, I think we’re there,” Douglas said.

“The 1100 metres around the bend should suit, but it’s a good race.

“I haven’t got any illusions that he’s going to go there and be very hard to beat, but he warrants his spot in the race and will give a big show.”

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