The Clayton Douglas-trained Giga Kick kept his record at a perfect two-for-two with an impressive performance in the Trevor Clarke Hcp (1000m) at Flemington on Saturday. Interestingly, the first four across the line are homebreds that have taken their breeders to the heights.
One of the best to begin for Matthew Cartright, Giga Kick was prominent in the run and finished the race off strongly.
The son of Scissor Kick defeated Godolphin’s Sepoy gelding Lascars by one and a quarter lengths with a further two and a quarter lengths back to Emirates Park’s Fastnet Rock filly Salaasel in third ahead of Gilgai Farm’s Zoustar filly Tapin’ Three in fourth.
Giga Kick created a considerable impression on debut with a four-and-a-quarter length romp at Sale, and it will be a stakes race next for the Jonathon Munz homebred.
“He was a little bit raw the first time down the straight. He had a good wander around and got there pretty early, but it was good to see him get the job done,” Douglas said.
“When he was challenged, he kicked again. He came here about 80%, so he will improve a lot.
“We will probably head to the Vain Stakes around the corner in four weeks. I think he will be better around a corner and should go there in good order.”
Giga Kick was bred by Munz’s GSA Bloodstock, which also bred his sire Scissor Kick.
He is the sixth winner 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 hugely talented though often frustrating 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.
Her six winners include the stakes-placed Rekindled Power and Shuffle Up, 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 weanling colt by Pariah.
Scissor Kick (Redoute’s Choice) stood at Arrowfield Stud for four seasons He shuttled to Haras d'Etreham in France, and did not return to Australia after covering 29 mares in 2019.
