A champion's qualities were on show at Doomben on Saturday when Giga Kick claimed his second Group 1 in the $1,500,000 Ladbrokes Doomben 10,000 (1200m).
Reappearing after defeating Zaaki in the Group 1 All-Aged Stakes at Randwick on April 15, the 3yo son of Scissor Kick found a willing opponent in Overpass, fresh of his victory in the $4,000,000 The Quokka at Ascot.
With regular rider Craig Williams in the saddle, Giga Kick defeated Overpass (Vancouver) by a half-length, with the ever-consistent Mazu (Maurice) three-quarters of a length back in third.
It advances Giga Kick's record to seven wins, a second and a third from 10 starts, with earnings of a staggering $9,594,700.
Craig Williams has ridden plenty of good horses and is in awe of Giga Kick.
"He's such a good horse; I'm just so lucky to be a part of his journey. Clayton Douglas is a phenomenal horseman," Williams said.
"I think the fight late was good and tough. When we trialled the other day, he put his wings away because he felt like Pegasus."
Winning trainer, Clayton Douglas said his star pupil will be in the paddock tomorrow.
"I was very happy with him. Great ride, which made it a little easier to watch," Douglas said.
"He obviously had a little bit left in the tank, and it was good to see him do what he did. He's a phenomenal horse isn't he?
"Four runs this prep, two Group 1 wins, just got beaten in a T.J. (Smith). Everyone's come out to see him, and that's what we wanted to see.
"It's just great for Queensland Racing as well; they've been so accommodating, the clubs have been great. We were able to have a nice gallop here on Tuesday morning. I've got family here, and they've been really accommodating with the tickets and all that. It's a great place, and the weather's great, so I'm happy.
"He’ll go to the paddock tomorrow and have a break. Then we’ll set our sights on The Everest. I’m excited for what the future holds for a three-year-old like him. I can’t wait to show him off again.”
Like his sire Scissor Kick, Giga Kick was bred by Munz's GSA Bloodstock.
He is the best of six winners from nine to race for the imported Royal Applause mare Rekindled Applause (GB), who arrived in Australia alongside his mother Rekindled Affair (Rainbow Quest).
Rekindled Affair (IRE) left two stakes-winners before her importation. Her first foal in Australia was the talented Rekindled Interest (Redoute's Choice), who won the Group II MVRC Dato' Tan Chin Nam Stakes and Group II AAMI Vase and was second in the ATC George Ryder Stakes and third in the MVRC WS Cox Plate.
Rekindled Applause (GB) was stakes-placed four times in Italy, and her daughter Lago Ovation (Encosta de Lago) is the dam of Yulong Stud's Group 1 MRC CF Orr Stakes winner Alabama Express.
Rekindled Applause (GB) has a yearling colt by Pariah.
