Giga Kick trials nicely ahead of 2026 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes return

Posted by RS NewsWire at 3:07pm on January 29th

Giga Kick is on track for a return to racing after pleasing trainer Clayton Douglas in a recent trial at Caulfield Heath.

The sprinter is set to resume in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m), having last been seen winning the Group 1 Champions Sprint in November.

Douglas said the 800-metre trial with Ethan Brown in the saddle was exactly what he wanted leading into the autumn.

“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.”

Giga Kick had just two starts last preparation, winning both the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes and the Champions Sprint.

Plans to run in Perth were shelved in favour of a more measured autumn build-up.

“The autumn maps really well for him,” Douglas said.

“He can finish off at 1400 metres and it gives us plenty of options.”

After the Lightning Stakes, Douglas is likely to progress to the Group 2 Challenge Stakes and then the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes, before closing out in the All-Aged Stakes.

Those tracking Giga Kick’s return can follow the latest racing betting markets ahead of the Lightning Stakes.

The post Watch

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,...

Oct 19th

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...

Oct 19th

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,...

Oct 18th

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...

Oct 18th

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...

Oct 18th

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,...

Oct 18th

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....

Oct 17th

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,...

Oct 17th

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...

Oct 17th

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...

Oct 17th