It has been nearly four years since Giga Kick and Clayton Douglas last stood as the celebrated figures of Australian racing.

The pair achieved a landmark victory in The Everest at Randwick in October 2022, and the following autumn, they added the All-Aged Stakes and the Doomben 10,000 to their accolades. This period also saw Giga Kick recognised as the Australian Champion Sprinter.

Giga Kick was perceived as the rising star in Australian sprinting, and Douglas had meticulously planned a campaign to repeat their success by targeting the 2023 Everest.

However, this plan was significantly disrupted in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley on September 9, 2023, where Giga Kick finished third, a result that left connections completely mystified.

It was later discovered that Giga Kick had sustained a deep muscle tear in his hindquarter, requiring a rehabilitation period of almost a full year before the gelding could resume racing.

This particular injury necessitates ongoing careful management and has consequently limited Giga Kick to only 12 starts across the three years that have elapsed since his peak performance.

Despite these challenges, Giga Kick has demonstrably not lost any of his sprinting potency. He returned to finish second in the 2024 Everest and subsequently claimed the Schillaci Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield and the VRC Sprint Classic (1200m) at Flemington during the last spring carnival.

Giga Kick is now set to embark on his latest campaign, contesting the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at Sandown this coming Saturday.

The Moir Stakes, traditionally held at Moonee Valley, has been transferred this year due to essential track renovations at The Valley.

Douglas is comfortable with the race being held at Sandown, a track Giga Kick has not yet competed on, but one where he has had substantial ‘practice’ in the lead-up.

With a jump-out placing last week and a solid gallop on Tuesday, Douglas is confident that Giga Kick is primed for a strong first-up performance.

“He’s forward as he’s been in work a long time,” Douglas said. “The 1000 metres, he’s definitely ready for. He hasn’t won a good race over the 1000 before, but this track will give him his chance. It’s a good race with a lot of speedsters in it which makes the race more intriguing. There’s going to be a lot of pressure and Giga Kick is at his best when there is a lot of pressure, so hopefully it falls into our favour.”

Giga Kick captured the Schillaci Stakes first-up last October, and Douglas believes the gelding is exhibiting similar form levels this year.

Furthermore, the potential for a rain-affected track is not anticipated to be a concern.

“His wind is good, his action is good, he’s moving very well,” Douglas stated. “He’s seven, and he’s a big strong boy. He’s an amazing horse and comes back and just does what he has to do every preparation, but being and older horse, we’re always managing him, always watching his action, making sure that’s 100 per cent. His body has been great for quite some time, and he goes to the race fit, well and healthy. I’ve done my job.”

Mark Zahra, who previously guided Giga Kick to victory in the VRC Champions Sprint, is set to ride the gelding for the first time since that memorable win on Saturday.

Giga Kick has been assigned barrier nine in the field of 13 runners, which includes formidable opponents such as Rothfire, Skybird, Generosity, My Gladiola, Point Barrow, Cavalry Girl, and Natural Fling.

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