Clayton Douglas’ champion sprinter Giga Kick ready to peak in 2024 The Everest

You get the sense from trainer Clayton Douglas that his star sprinter Giga Kick has been building towards something special in today’s $20 million TAB Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick.

You get the sense from trainer Clayton Douglas that his star sprinter Giga Kick has been building towards something special in today’s $20 million TAB Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick.

Giga Kick has been on the comeback trail but could reinstate himself as one of the best sprinters in Australia on the biggest of stages this weekend.

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The smart son of Scissor Kick was a surprise winner of The Everest two years ago but missed last year’s main event after suffering a much-publicised setback first-up last spring.

Douglas has been building backwards from this year’s The Everest in a bid to get Giga Kick back firing against at the top level again in 2024.

Giga Kick got the cobwebs out with a first up fifth in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes, his first run in just under a year.

He finished less than a length off the winner in his second up assignment in the Group 2 Premiere Stakes earlier this month.

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“It was always the plan to be third-up into the race after a long break,” Douglas said.

“We’ve been able to get a trial under his belt and his run was good the other day, building into something that he will perform very well.

“I am really happy with where we are at.

“I am proud of the horse to get him back here and all the team behind me because he is such a high class galloper and to have him back is really exciting.”

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Douglas’ confidence grew during the week when Giga Kick drew favourably in barrier three for The Everest with Victorian jockey Mark Zahra set to take over the ride on the big occasion.

Giga Kick, the only previous The Everest winner in Saturday’s field, is a $14 hope in betting with I Wish I Win and Joliestar jockeying for favouritism at $6.

Giga Kick runs in the Pinecliff Racing slot.

Originally published as Clayton Douglas’ champion sprinter Giga Kick ready to peak in 2024 The Everest