Third in the Group II Challenge Stakes and second in the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes, Giga Kick revisited the winner's circle for the first time since his Everest triumph when earning a Group 1 victory in Saturday's All-Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick.
Giga Kick leaves them standing (image Steve Hart)
Given an inspired ride by Craig Williams, the Clayton Douglas-trained 3yo launched down the centre of the track to defeat Zaaki (Leroidesanimaux) by one and three-quarter lengths with the ever-gallant Cascadian (New Approach) a short-head back in third.
The 3yo gelded son of Scissor Kick advances his record to six wins, a second and a third from nine starts, with earnings of $8,699,700.
Giga Kick is homebred for Jonathon Munz, who tasted Group 1 success in the previous race as the breeder of Champagne Stakes hero Militarize.
"He’s a high-class horse, and I was very confident during the week,” Douglas said.
“He was just going and presented so well. It would take a very good horse to beat him.
“I’m not a very emotional person, but for some reason, I’m getting a bit emotional about this one; it means a lot. It’s everything we strive to do, and it’s phenomenal.”
Giga Kick was bred by Munz's GSA Bloodstock, which also bred his sire Scissor Kick.
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.
Craig Williams and Clayton Douglas (image Steve Hart)
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.
