Why this seven-year-old, $34 shot might just be poised to spring an almighty Everest upset

Clayton Douglas did not anticipate having Giga Kick, the 2022 Everest winner, back for a third attempt at the prestigious race, especially at seven years old. The Victorian trainer is cautiously optimistic that his seasoned horse might pull off an upset in the $20 million Everest (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday, despite facing formidable competition such as Ka Ying Rising and Tempted. With the track potentially affected by rain, Douglas sees a chance for Giga Kick to make history. Douglas noted that Giga Kick currently holds the best record among the competitors in the race. However, he acknowledged the challenge posed by Ka Ying Rising, who is considered a generational talent and is aiming for a back-to-back title. Douglas expressed that while a third-place finish would be commendable, the unpredictable nature of horse racing means anything can happen, particularly if the track becomes wet. Giga Kick's performance on different types of tracks has varied significantly. While he has excelled on softer surfaces, including a victory on a soft 6 track during his Everest win, he has faced challenges on harder grounds. His most recent win in the Champions Sprint at Flemington was on a "real bog track," indicating his adaptability to varying conditions. Despite a challenging winter campaign and a delayed return that kept him from competing in the Everest last year, Giga Kick has shown signs of improvement. Douglas emphasized that the horse is in better physical condition and has performed well in trials. The decision to use blinkers might provide an advantage, offering a slight edge in his twilight years as a competitor. The weather forecast suggests that Randwick could remain in a soft 7 condition, with scattered showers possibly keeping the track in that range. This possibility gives hope to Giga Kick's rivals, considering that 20 of his 22 victories have occurred on good Sha Tin surfaces. Giga Kick's journey through the races has had its ups and downs. After a muscle tear that sidelined him for 12 months, he made a comeback with a second-place finish in the 2024 Everest. He also placed second in the TJ Smith Stakes over the Randwick 1200m on a heavy 9 and soft 7 track. Douglas admitted it was unexpected to see Giga Kick selected to replace the injured Guest House in Coolmore’s slot, following a disappointing performance in the Manikato Stakes. Despite finishing 10th in the Moir (1000m), Douglas believes the veteran is performing better than his recent results indicate. He highlighted that Giga Kick ran the fourth-fastest last 600 meters in the Moir, suggesting potential for improvement. With the upcoming race, Douglas remains hopeful that Giga Kick will deliver a strong performance, especially if additional rainfall occurs, potentially altering the track conditions in favor of his horse.