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.