Sydney set for Giga Kick's return in Challenge Stakes
The gelding Giga Kick will make his Sydney comeback after close to 18 months when lining up in the Challenge Stakes at Randwick, a key step towards The Championships.
This leading speedster was last seen in Sydney placing second to Bella Nipotina in the 2024 The Everest (1200m), making Saturday's 1000m event at Randwick his opening trial, provided the weather holds.
Douglas brought Giga Kick up to Sydney over the weekend and will settle on the gelding's start after observing him during Tuesday's workout.
While keeping an eye on the elements, the trainer is determined to give the gelding this outing in readiness for the Group 1 T J Smith Stakes (1200m) over Randwick on April 4.
"Nash Rawiller will ride him. He will probably have a sit on him on Tuesday morning," Douglas said.
"Everything seems to be on target.
"Hopefully we will get a bit of give in the ground. That's going to be the main thing for him.
"It will be another run towards the T J and then hopefully we're ready to go."
In 2023, Douglas employed an identical schedule for Giga Kick, who ran third to Passive Aggressive in the Challenge Stakes (1000m) before a runner-up finish to I Wish I Win in the T J Smith Stakes.
Fellow stable resident Top Reward joins him in Sydney after a creditable fifth to Australian Guineas winner Observer in Caulfield's Autumn Stakes (1400m) at his fresh start.
Nominations are in place for the three-year-old in the Rosehill Guineas (2000m) and ATC Australian Derby (2400m), but the Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on March 14 comes first.
"He will trial on Thursday at Randwick and then it's nine days to the race," Douglas said.
"It will be a month between runs, but the trial in between will do him good.
"(Stepping up from) 1400 to 1500 will suit him. I might even put a set of blinkers on him in the trial."
Check out online bookmakers for attractive racing betting markets on the Challenge Stakes.
More Racing News
Ipswich new stable debut eyed by down under stunnah
A dozen runs in one preparation stands out as uncommon in modern racing, but Michael Morrison is confident his resilient galloper Down Under Stunnah has what it takes for a bold finish in her swan song this campaign at Ipswich.The trainer has relocated his operation from Beaudesert to Ipswich of...
Desert Lightning's poor draw raises doubts for Mornington return
The worst barrier allocation could hold up the scheduled launch of Desert Lightning's campaign at Mornington.In Saturday's 17-nomination Listed Hareeba Stakes (1200m), Desert Lightning has the widest draw among 17, shouldering 60kg under jockey Luke Nolen.With a maximum of 15 starters on Saturday and two emergencies listed.Trained by Peter Moody...
$2.7m St Gotthard delivers debut success as Switzerland's kin
Priced at $2.7 million with breeding suggesting greatness, St Gotthard drew a crowd at Warwick Farm, where the promising colt duly obliged.The win was tight, but the full brother to 2024 Coolmore Stud Stakes victor Switzerland fought back gamely, powering home past second-placed Peyton to nab Wednesday's Kia Ora Bloodlines...
Promising colt Campione d'italia targets Champagne Stakes double
Connections of Campione D'italia have been drawn by the chance to claim another Group One success locally, prompting a push towards the last stage of the juvenile triple crown in pursuit of a second top-level win in the Champagne Stakes at Randwick.The colt aims to emulate the achievements of yardmate...
Overpass headed to England for King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot
On Wednesday, the syndicate owning Overpass, under the management of Scott Darby Syndications, decided in favor of travelling to England.Overpass, boasting earnings exceeding $12 million in prizemoney, is poised to contest the Group 1 King Charles III (once known as King's Stand) Stakes on June 16, the first day of...
Mornington Cup next step for Ambassadorial's Caulfield Cup ambitions
Since transferring to the Tony and Calvin McEvoy stable, Ambassadorial has proven to be a genuine find.His initial campaign was with Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, followed by a period under Alex Rae at Cranbourne prior to his latest move.Ambassadorial notched three successes from 12 attempts with Waterhouse and Bott,...
She's A Dealer takes on Randwick in JRA Plate after Kiwi G1 glory
Although the Group 3 JRA Plate looks like a simple Australian raid for a horse fresh off a Group 1 triumph, Roger James has numerous justifications for selecting it as perfect for She's A Dealer.Ace High's daughter will wrap up her season in the $250,000 race held at Randwick.The four-year-old...
Begg targeting strong finale for Magic Time in Sydney autumn carnival
Although trained in Victoria, Magic Time could easily be considered a Sydney regular owing to her many appearances in the New South Wales capital.She has contested 14 of her 26 races in Sydney, yielding four triumphs and five podium finishes, against just 10 starts in her home state and two...
Zakouma's Mornington Cup hopes hinge on ballot for Begg
Grahame Begg, the trainer, points out two key obstacles for Zakouma in his pursuit of the Mornington Cup alongside the capable stayer.Saturday's Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) grants the winner entry exemption into October's Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), positioning it as a perfect lead-up for unbeaten Zakouma after three starts...
Plaintiff primed for perfect record extension at Randwick
First-up success came as no shock to trainer Peter Snowden for unbeaten filly Plaintiff, although her dominant fashion might have sparked some interest.A top-class three-year-old by Zoustar from elite Group One mare Prompt Response, Plaintiff looks to claim win number five in a row in Saturday's Group 3 JHB Carr...