Mornington trainer Clayton Douglas is confident that star sprinter Giga Kick is primed to prove his credentials for The Everest (1200m) when he lines up in the Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Giga Kick, the 2022 Everest champion, made his long-awaited return to racing after a year on the sidelines, finishing fifth in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Randwick on September 7, three lengths behind the winner I Am Me.
Douglas has spaced Giga Kick’s races with four weeks between runs as the five-year-old gears up for the Group 2 feature.
An impressive trial win at Canterbury last Tuesday has boosted confidence heading into the race.
“It was always the plan to give him a month between runs and the trial, and his fitness is really good now,” Douglas told Racing.com.
“Obviously, it’s not too far from The Everest, so he needs to be fairly tuned up, and we’ve started to really tighten him up.
“You can tell he’s done really well, and he looks good in himself. He’s nice and fit and forward.”
Douglas is hopeful that Giga Kick will show he’s back to his best.
“I’m expecting a forward showing – he really needs to put his hand up and say that he’s ready to go in two weeks’ time,” Douglas added.
“I can’t wait to see him step up in trip second-up and hopefully, he can do me proud.”
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