Clayton Douglas is under no illusions at the difficult task confronting Giga Kick at Caulfield.
Undefeated in his first two starts, Giga Kick runs in the Group 3 Vain Stakes (1100m) on Saturday which will give the former jockey turned trainer a guide to what may lay ahead in the Spring Carnival.
Giga Kick holds a nomination for the Caulfield Guineas (1600m) in October while the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington is also in the back on Douglas’ mind.
But before those Group 1 races can be contemplated, Douglas needs to see Giga Kick tackle better company than he has met so far in a two-year-old maiden win at Sale in February and a 1000m victory up the straight at Flemington last month.
“It’s a nice steppingstone for him,” Douglas said.
“If he wins or runs well, we can think about the bigger races, if not we can come back a peg or two.
“There’s some good colts in the race and if we can win that, then I’d say we’ve got a serious horse on our hands.”
Since the Flemington victory on July 16, Giga Kick has been taken to the Pakenham jump-outs on August 2 where he finished second.
Ater Matthew Cartwright rode the gelding to victory at Flemington, Craig Williams has jumped aboard in the jump-out and will take the ride on Saturday.
“I think the horse has improved off his first-up run. He’s had another trial since his win, so fitness wise, I think we’re there,” Douglas said.
“The 1100 metres around the bend should suit, but it’s a good race.
“I haven’t got any illusions that he’s going to go there and be very hard to beat, but he warrants his spot in the race and will give a big show.”
