No Frankie, no worries for Giga Kick in Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup mission

Frankie the pint-sized pony hasn’t been by Giga Kick’s side in Brisbane this week, but there is a growing sense of optimism the former Everest champion can surge back to Group 1 glory at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

No Frankie, no worries.

Giga Kick and his trusty sidekick, Frankie the pint-sized pony, have been the Batman and Robin of the Australian racing scene.

Little Frankie was originally purchased about a decade ago by Giga Kick’s owner Jonathan Munz for his sons Albert and Alex.

Frankie and Giga Kick are rarely seen without each other and in recent years Frankie has been the star racehorse’s constant travelling companion.

But Frankie hasn’t made the trip to Brisbane for his great mate’s Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) mission.

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“Giga Kick flew up this time, so Frankie didn’t make the trip,” Giga Kick’s trainer Clayton Douglas said.

“It’s the first time he has been away without Frankie.

“Hopefully it’s not a jinx, we will see on Saturday.”

While there is no Frankie to keep Giga Kick company, there is a growing sense of confidence from the Giga Kick camp that the elite sprinter could be getting back to some of his three-year-old form which saw him become an Everest champion in 2022.

Giga Kick with Frankie the pony. Picture: Vince Caligiuri / Getty Images

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The multiple Group 1-winner may have been beaten first-up when the conditions of the Group 1 Goodwood in Adelaide should have suited him.

But little went to plan and although he didn’t win – and hasn’t won for two years – Douglas was happy with what he saw when Giga Kick surged late for third behind Reserve Bank.

RESERVE BANK wins the 2025 Group 1 Goodwood! 💰

The 3YO colt has now won three races in a row 👑@[e-mail]/VCnPP1TeTl

— Racing.com (@Racing) May 10, 2025

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Newmarket Handicap champion Joliestar is the $3 favourite for the Kingsford Smith but Douglas points out Giga Kick ($5) beat her home in The Everest last year.

“Joliestar is going to start favourite and rightly so, but if Giga Kick had even luck and won the other day in Adelaide, what price would he be?” Douglas said.

“The last time we met Joliestar, we beat her in The Everest.

“It seems like we could get a bit of rain on Saturday and I’m not concerned about that, I think it will be suitable for him.

Clayton Douglas gave Giga Kick a spin around Eagle Farm early on Tuesday. Picture: Ben Dorries.

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“Giga Kick’s last preparation was a bit of a wait and see prep with him and it was good that he was able to perform in The Everest (finishing runner-up to Bella Nipotina) the way he did.

“The horse is now in even better condition and his body is moving great.

“Whether we are going to see the three-year-old sort of form from him that we once saw, I hope so, but it is hard to say.

“One thing I do know is he’s going to be more than competitive on Saturday.”

All runners in the Kingsford Smith Cup, as well as the Group 1 Queensland Derby, were trotted up in front of vets on Friday and cleared to start.