Clayton Douglas has an exciting spring ahead of him, if Saturday’s first-up win for Giga Kick is anything to go by.
The two-year-old by Scissor Kick was resuming from a six-month break in a 1000m 2YO Handicap at Flemington, and despite a betting drift ($2.10 to $2.90), he proved too good.
After winning comfortably on debut at Sale back in February, Douglas opted to put the promising galloper in the paddock and save him for this time of year, which has already started to pay dividends.
The gelding was able to jump and travel sweetly throughout under Matthew Cartwright in the 1000m scamper, but when asked for an effort, he responded brilliantly and booted away from his rivals.
Lascars threatened late, getting to win a length and a half, while debutant Salaasel closed off gamely after a tardy getaway.
Watch Giga Kick win the first race at Flemington
Giga Kick’s trained said he will have a very brief freshen, before lining up in four weeks’ time at Caulfield in the Group 3 Vain Stakes (1100m) as he looks to join the likes of Starspangledbanner, Sepoy, Russian Revolution and Bivouac on the honour roll.
“Little bit raw down the straight first go,” Douglas told Racing.com.
“He probably had a good wander around and got there pretty early, but it was good to see him get the job done.
“He’s still raw this horse. Probably when he got challenged he then kicked again and I think he’ll improve a lot after that – he’s probably come here probably 80-percent – so there’s a lot of improvement in him.
“I think he’ll be better back around the corner at this point. He should go there (Caulfield) in good order hopefully.”
Winning jockey Matthew Cartwright agreed with Douglas, suggesting the horse still has a fair bit to learn, despite two impressive wins to kick-start his career.
Cartwright said the horse is still a “raw product”, which makes the comfortable victory all-the-more exciting leading into the spring.
“He’s still quite a raw product, which is pretty good really,” the jockey said.
“He’s a nice horse and won really well today.”
Following his easy win, Giga Kick has firmed into $15 with Ladbrokes for October’s Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m).
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