Clayton Douglas has opted to bypass the Sydney Autumn Carnival with Giga Kick, instead taking advantage of a unique opportunity presented by this weekend’s The Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville.

The 2022 The Everest winner resumes in Saturday’s $1 million Group 1 feature, where set-weights-and-penalties conditions will see him carry just 54.5kg — a notable advantage considering he hasn’t raced since winning the Doomben 10,000 in 2023.

With mares Charm Stone and Climbing Star carrying 2kg more, Giga Kick finds himself ideally placed from a weights perspective, a scenario not likely to occur in a handicap or weight-for-age contest.

“That’s serious form for a Goodwood,” Douglas said.

“He’s meeting Group 3 winners, as a Group 1 winner, on level weights and he meets the three-year-olds at level weights.

“It just wouldn’t happen in any other race. Even at weight-for-age level we’d be giving them four and five kilos, so we’re just so well weighted.

“He’s still got to go out and do it, absolutely, and it’s been a while between runs but, in saying that, it’s been well-thought-out and I’m pretty happy with where we’ve got him.”

Giga Kick hasn’t raced since a seventh in the Champions Sprint last spring, although his run prior — a close second in the The Everest — confirms he remains top class.

After a patient build-up, including jumpouts at Mornington and Balnarring, Douglas has him primed for a first-up tilt before heading to Brisbane for the Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m).

“That was pretty much it, but also it’s going to be more well-set-up for the Spring, too,” Douglas said.

“He’s going to have a couple of nice runs, I’m going to be a little bit later (spelling), so then I’ll have that nice residual fitness going into the spring.”

Mark Zahra will partner Giga Kick from gate 12 and has made a rare effort to get down to 54.5kg to ride the $2.25 favourite.

For those planning a bet on Giga Kick or any runner in Saturday’s Group 1, be sure to browse the latest promos and odds on our recommended betting sites.