Giga Kick burst onto the scene taking out the $10,000,000 Everest in the spring and has now seen his first Group 1 success in the 1400m All Aged Stakes.
The Clayton Douglas-trained Scissor Kick gelding was a terrific runner-up behind I Wish I Win in the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes and has gone on with the job, beating a quality field in the process.
Lost And Running found himself in an unfamiliar role of leading them up from the wide barrier leaving Zaaki and Mazu to take a sit in behind the speed.
Giga Kick was near the tail of the field; however, under zero riding from jockey Craig Williams loomed up to them strongly on the corner, before putting the race to bed 200m out from the line. Put to bed any doubt as to whether he could get out to the 1400m journey.
Zaaki returned nicely to find the runner-up spot, while last year’s winner Cascadian produce a scintillating turn-of-foot to power into the minor money again for the Godolphin blue.
2023 Group 1 All Aged Stakes Replay – Giga Kick
Clayton Douglas was elated with the win and spoke post-race about the incredible rise of his back-to-back Everest prospect.
“It was great, he’s a high class horse and I was very confident during the week,” said Douglas
“He was just going so well and he’s presented so good. It took a very good horse today that was going to beat him. He went through the line didn’t he, so I think the 1400m was no drama.
“I’m not a very emotional person but for some reason I’m getting a bit emotional about this one, it means a lot. It’s everything we strive to do and it’s phenomenal.”
Craig Williams was glowing about the training effort of Clayton Douglass in the aftermath as well. It comes after a spell on the sidelines due to injury and less than a week back in the saddle.
“The way he’s (Clayton Douglas) preparing the horse. The way he puts all his energy into the horse, knowing him. He’s only a three-year-old having his ninth start so it’s really exciting,” said Williams.
“It just shows you, you’ve got big races in Sydney you’ve got people here from Melbourne supporting. It’s OK for me, I’m lucky enough to ride him but he does all the running, Clayton prepares him and I’m lucky to be a part of his journey.
“Full credit has got to go to Clayton Douglas as trainer. I’m lucky enough to get on him race day. I haven’t been on his back, I’ve seen him on TV, until today.
“He’s got a great hand on where he’s at and developing this horse. He’s a three-year-old having his ninth start and he’s just so exciting. I couldn’t be feeling so blessed to be a part of his team.”
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