Aside from the fact he can now call himself a Group One-winning trainer, Clayton Douglas says Giga Kick’s breakthrough All Aged Stakes success has also allowed him some subtle shifts in mindset.
Having officially ticked the Group 1 box, Douglas can now take the horse to Saturday’s Doomben 10,000 (1200m) with renewed confidence, knowing from experience the gelding is exactly where he needs to be to achieve at racing’s highest level.
“It’s another Group One this Saturday and for us to be a last-start Group One winner, you do grow in confidence in a sense,” Douglas said.
“You know how the horse needs to be for him to be racing at his best now.
“He’s a very short-priced favourite for a Group One, and it is a horse race at the end of the day and you’ve got to respect your opposition, but he’s in really good order.”
Giga Kick has given Douglas several career-firsts and will do so again on Saturday when he becomes the young trainer’s first Brisbane runner.
Regular rider Craig Williams has been plying his trade for a little longer but a victory by Giga Kick will also deliver him a milestone.
Williams, an integral part of the Giga Kick team, has won 71 Group 1 races but a Doomben 10,000 eludes him.
“It would add to his long tally of Group One winners,” Douglas quipped.
“He’s been a great asset for the team.
“He has been along for the ride with him and he seems to really get along with the horse.”
Giga Kick arrived in Brisbane last weekend and had his first look at Doomben in a trackwork hitout on Tuesday.
Douglas is happy the three-year-old is spot-on and having grown up watching the likes of Apache Cat win Brisbane’s premier sprint, he is thrilled to have a worthy contender.
“I’m just rapt I’ve got a horse like him and to be competing in these Group Ones, that’s what it’s all about,” he said.
“I was really happy with how he galloped yesterday and how he came through today. He went to the beach this morning and seemed bright and well so everything looks good for Saturday.”
Giga Kick has firmed into $1.75 favouritism after drawing ideally in barrier four with Godolphin colt Aft Cabin (barrier 3) on the second line of betting at $5.50.
Last year’s winner Mazu (barrier 7) is the only other horse at single figure odds as a $9 chance.
