Ace young sprint star Giga Kick added another Group 1 victory to his imposing record when beating home inaugural The Quokka champ Overpass in a hard-fought Group 1 $1.5 million Ladbrokes Doomben 10,000 (1200m) victory in Brisbane on Saturday.
2023 Doomben 10,000 winner Giga Kick (pictured in Melbourne) was excellent in Brisbane ahead of a spell. Photo Credit: Ultimate Racing Photos.
The reigning The Everest winning Scissor Kick gelding made it back-to-back Doomben 10,000 wins for the three-year-olds when charging home down the outside late off a 10/10 ride by the always brilliant Craig Williams in the opening Group 1 of the Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival.
“He’s just such a good horse and I’m just so lucky to be part of his journey,” Williams told Sky Thoroughbred Central.
“Clayton Douglas is a phenomenal horseman. My job is very easy and very rewarding.”
The Clayton Douglas-trained Giga Kick moved to number nine on the all-time Australian Racing Prizemoney list with his gutsy turf triumph at Doomben ahead of a well-deserved break in the sunshine state.
It had been a month between runs for the now $9.6 million earner whose last start produced a Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) win over Zaaki in Sydney in mid-April.
Giga Kick was heavily-backed heading north to Queensland dominating Doomben 10,000 markets as the $1.65 favourite.
Favourite backers were given an early scare with Giga Kick missing the kick.
Williams however was able to regather and get the horse into a lovely position before moving out three-deep on the turn and going early in an arrogant ride.
Giga Kick chased hard and was airborne late running down the brave Bjorn Baker-trained Overpass who was excellent holding for second in his first run since taking out the inaugural $4 million The Quokka race over in WA.
“I think the fight late was good and tough,” Williams said.
“He’s quite a remarkable horse.
“He’s really exciting.”
Last year’s Doomben 10,000 winner Mazu was excellent again this year running an eye-catching third off a charmed run to finish just ahead of the Godolphin-raced Aft Cabin.
Clayton confirmed Giga Kick would be sent to the paddock on Sunday remaining in Queensland for his spell before turning his attention to a title defence in October’s $15 million The Everest (1200m).
“He’ll go to the paddock tomorrow, have a break and set our sights on The Everest,” the young trainer said.
“Excited for the future.
“Can’t wait to show him off again.”
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