Giga to Kick off at Caulfield in 2025 Schillaci Stakes field
Clayton Douglas and his champion sprinter Giga Kick will take a fresh approach this spring, with the gelding to resume at Caulfield rather than The Everest — a race that once made his name.
After campaigns in Sydney across the past two years, including a win in the 2022 The Everest and a runner-up finish the following year, Giga Kick will instead contest the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes (1100m) this weekend — the start of a more flexible four-race preparation.
“Normally he’d kick off earlier in the spring, but we’re a bit later this time,” Douglas said. “He’s had one trial going into Saturday, but he’s forward enough to be running well. He’ll get back off the speed, and hopefully they go quick enough early so he can finish strong.”
Douglas said not chasing an Everest slot has allowed the stable to plan a longer campaign with races like the McEwen Stakes on Cox Plate Day, the Champions Sprint on the final day of Melbourne Cup week and the C.F. Orr Stakes among future options.
“Not being tied to The Everest means we can mix things up,” Douglas said. “He’s a 115-rater, so he’s really well in at the weights. Every time he goes to the races he runs well, and I think being the fresh horse later in the spring might work in our favour.”
Douglas said Giga Kick had thrived physically since last season, having spent 12 consistent months building back to peak condition following injury.
“When he won The Everest, he was 480 kilos. Now he’s just under 550 — a bigger, stronger horse,” Douglas said. “He’s had his issues in the past, but he’s free in his action and looks terrific. It’s amazing how much he’s matured.”
After coming close in the Champions Sprint previously, Douglas is hopeful that this campaign will deliver redemption.
“We’ve tried to win it a couple of times and haven’t been able to do it, so hopefully this time we can be the fresh horse on the scene,” he said.
Punters can find the latest odds and markets for the Schillaci Stakes and Caulfield Cup Carnival at Australia’s top betting sites.
More Racing News
Extragalactic's Flemington mission in McEwen Stakes
While many in the racing world will lament the closure of the old Moonee Valley track, trainer Trent Edmonds isn't lamenting the timing of its renovation.This Saturday marks the first Cox Plate meeting to be held away from 'The Valley', and Edmonds is set to be at Flemington with Extragalactic,...
Blind Raise's faith rewarded with Cox Plate start
Trent Busuttin is aware that if the primary goal was to secure a Group 1 victory, the more prudent strategy would be to send Blind Raise to Sydney for this Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes.Nevertheless, he also recognises that the type of opportunity that has arisen this year is not a...
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...