Giga Kick bounces back in the 2025 Schillaci Stakes

Giga Kick reminded the racing world of his brilliance with a stunning victory in Saturday’s $300,000 Group 2 Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield — his first win in over two years.

The son of Scissor Kick, who captured The Everest in 2022, proved he’s far from finished by powering home from the rear to score by three-quarters of a length over favourite Tropicus ($2.80), with Niance ($4.40) third. Sent out at $7, he took his career earnings beyond $13 million with the win — his first since the Doomben 10,000 in May 2023.

“It’s a relief,” trainer Clayton Douglas said emotionally. “He’s been a lot of hard work, and we’ve copped plenty of criticism. But good horses do good things — and he’s one of them.”

The victory came just a week before The Everest — the race that made him a superstar — and Douglas hasn’t ruled out a last-minute call-up. “We’ll have a chat,” he said. “He’s earned $4 million more than the rest of that field combined. Surely they know my number.”

After running second to Bella Nipotina in last year’s Everest, Giga Kick has now firmed to $26 in betting for this year’s edition, behind the Hong Kong-trained favourite Ka Ying Rising ($1.60).

For the latest Everest betting markets and exclusive spring carnival offers, check out Australia’s leading betting sites.