Giga Kick secures Everest slot

Connections of smart three-year-old Giga Kick have leapt at the opportunity to compete in the $15 million The Everest at Randwick instead of sticking to more familiar scenes in Melbourne.

A deal completed overnight saw James Harron select Saturday’s Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1200m) winner for his slot which has already tasted success with Redzel in the inaugural running of The Everest in 2017.

Unbeaten in four starts including two wins down the Flemington straight, Giga Kick is rated a $26 chance to win the 1200 metre Randwick feature.

The prospect of taking on $2 favourite Nature Strip may be imposing but not overwhelming for the former jumps jockey and now Mornington-based trainer.

“It’s unreal,” Douglas told RSN.

“He’s a very versatile horse – he’s won on soft ground, he’s won on dry ground.

“Even the other day I felt like the horse was going to improve off that (Flemington) run and it is a nice seven week space between runs so even though wasn’t at his top, he was still able to break a class record in the Danehill.

“He’s on an upward spiral and he’s coming along nicely.

Giga Kick takes on The Everest instead of returning to Flemington for the Group 1 Coolemore Stud Stakes over for three-year-olds over 1200 metres on October 29.

With the two weeks between the Danehill Stakes and The Everest, Douglas says that the gelding by Scissor Kick “hasn’t missed a beat since”.

Significantly, Craig Williams will follow Giga Kick to Sydney for the race and miss the Group 1 Caulfield Cup, also on October 15.

Twice a winner of Caulfield’s famous 2400 metres handicap in 2011 and 2012, Williams is staying aboard Giga Kick’s good run which has seen him win on the gelding at his past two starts.

Stay up to date with the latest racing news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest racing news!