It has been nearly four years since Giga Kick and trainer Clayton Douglas were celebrated across Australian racing.
The formidable duo secured victory in The Everest at Randwick in October 2022, followed by wins in the All-Aged Stakes and Doomben 10,000 the subsequent autumn. This dominant period also saw Giga Kick crowned Australian Champion Sprinter.
Giga Kick was widely regarded as the emerging star of Australian sprinting, and Douglas had planned a campaign to replicate their success by targeting the 2023 Everest.
However, circumstances changed dramatically in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley on September 9, 2023. Giga Kick finished third, a result that perplexed his connections.
It was later diagnosed that Giga Kick had sustained a deep muscle tear in his hindquarter, necessitating a rehabilitation period of almost a year before the gelding could return to racing.
This injury continues to require diligent monitoring and has limited Giga Kick to just 12 starts in the three years since his peak achievements.
Despite the setbacks, Giga Kick has retained his sprinting ability, returning to claim second place in the 2024 Everest and then securing the Schillaci Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield and the VRC Sprint Classic (1200m) at Flemington in the spring.
Giga Kick is set to commence his latest campaign in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at Sandown on Saturday.
Traditionally held at Moonee Valley, the Moir Stakes has been relocated this year due to renovations at The Valley.
Douglas expressed his satisfaction with the race being held at Sandown, a track Giga Kick has not previously raced on, but one where he has had considerable practice.
Following a jump-out placing last week and a gallop on Tuesday, Douglas is confident in Giga Kick’s readiness to perform well first-up.
“He’s forward as he’s been in work a long time,” Douglas stated. “The 1000 metres, he’s definitely ready for. He hasn’t won a good race over the 1000 before, but this track will give him his chance. It’s a good race with a lot of speedsters in it which makes the race more intriguing. There’s going to be a lot of pressure and Giga Kick is at his best when there is a lot of pressure, so hopefully it falls into our favour.”
Giga Kick claimed the Schillaci Stakes first-up last October, and Douglas believes the gelding is in a comparable condition this year.
The prospect of a rain-affected track will not present any issues.
“His wind is good, his action is good, he’s moving very well,” Douglas commented. “He’s seven, and he’s a big strong boy. He’s an amazing horse and comes back and just does what he has to do every preparation, but being and older horse, we’re always managing him, always watching his action, making sure that’s 100 per cent. His body has been great for quite some time, and he goes to the race fit, well and healthy. I’ve done my job.”
Mark Zahra, who previously won the VRC Champions Sprint on Giga Kick, will partner the gelding for the first time since that success on Saturday.
Giga Kick has drawn barrier nine in a field of 13 competitors, which includes notable runners such as Rothfire, Skybird, Generosity, My Gladiola, Point Barrow, Cavalry Girl, and Natural Fling.
Punters can explore the latest Australian betting sites for competitive odds on the Moir Stakes.