Trainer Clayton Douglas is looking forward to seeing Giga Kick return to centre stage as the champion sprinter prepares for his autumn campaign.
The six-year-old is set to resume in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on February 14, his first appearance since winning the Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) last November.
Giga Kick stepped out in an 800-metre trial at Caulfield Heath on Thursday with new jockey Ethan Brown aboard and was narrowly beaten by My Gladiola.
Douglas was pleased with what he saw and said the feedback from Brown was equally encouraging.
“It was nice work and he looked nice and fresh and well in himself,” Douglas said.
“Brownie gave him a good report. He said he began good, travelled nice and strong and finished off lovely.
“That will bring him on now. It’s two weeks to the Lightning which should be perfect timing for him.
“He won first-up last prep off one jump-out and we’re going in with the same idea.
“We’ve kept him together and he’s moving terrific. They’ll know he’s in the race first-up.”
Giga Kick had just two starts last campaign, winning the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes (1100m) before claiming the Champions Sprint.
Plans to travel to Perth for the Group 3 Gold Rush (1400m) were shelved to protect his autumn preparation.
“Timing wise it didn’t work,” Douglas said.
“He ran so well in his two runs that we wanted to give him a bit of a breather and aim him up properly for the autumn.
“The autumn maps really well for him. He can finish off at 1400 metres which he’s done before.
“It’s a nice prep and we’ve had a really nice preparation so far.”
After the Lightning Stakes, Douglas is targeting the Group 2 Challenge Stakes (1000m) and then the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m), before likely finishing in the Group 1 All-Aged Stakes (1400m).
Those following the Lightning Stakes can check the latest betting markets for the race ahead of Giga Kick’s return.
The post Watch đź“ş Giga Kick trials nicely at Caulfield Heath first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
