Mornington-based trainer Clayton Douglas feels that Giga Kick has improved significantly from his first-up run in the Moir Stakes (G1) and is ready for his start in the Sept. 27 Manikato Stakes (G1). The now 7-year-old gelding ran 10th in the 1,000 meter (about 5-furlong) group 1, finishing nearly 5 lengths off winner My Gladiola, also entered in the Manikato, but Douglas felt the race was not set up to suit his come from behind sprinter.
"It was mathematically impossible to sort of get into the race," Douglas said on The Verdict. "They ran a pretty slick time from the front. He definitely has taken nice improvement. He had two fairly in hand trials leading into his thousand-meter run, so he's now had the hit out. He's had a couple of good pieces of work.
"Three weeks between his first- and second-up run seems to be perfect for him. Even to look at, he looks like he's tightened up well and he's moving very well."
Giga Kick has drawn barrier 4, with Mark Zahra booked for the AU$2 million feature over 1,200 meters (about 6 furlongs) at Caulfield Racecourse.
"I was very happy when I seen the barrier," Douglas added. "I thought that really gives him a really good chance to get into a nice spot. I think that'll be key on Sunday."
Beiwacht Set for Manikato Cutback
Memsie Stakes (G1) winner Beiwacht will drop back to 1,200 meters in Sunday's Manikato after taking the Aug. 29 Memsie and the April 18 All Aged Stakes (G1) at 1,400 meters (about 7 furlongs) in his last two starts. The entire completed his final serious gallop at the track Sept. 22 under former champion jockey Steven Arnold, who was glowing in his assessment.
"His fitness is perfect coming back to the 6 furlongs. I was very happy with his work and he's ready to go." Arnold said.
Beiwacht has raced only once this campaign, winning the Memsie last month at Caulfield, with Chris Waller giving him four weeks between runs.
Geegees Mistruth bids for second Group 1
Surprise Robert Sangster Stakes (G1) heroine Geegees Mistruth will aim for a second group 1 success when she tackles Sunday's Manikato. Trained by Mark Walker, the 5-year-old daughter of Wordsmith landed April's Sangster at odds of AU$31 back, beating Bridal Waltz by a nose, and has since run a first-up 2-length fifth in the Moir Stakes Sept. 5.
"She ran well," Walker said of that latest effort. "The first three around the corner were the first three home, but I thought she ran really well and, more importantly, Blake (Shinn) is sticking with her. That's a positive. Her sectionals were good, so we take a lot of positives out of the run."
The mare has drawn barrier 1 Sunday, a gate she has drawn in three of her past six starts.
"She's got a good record at Caulfield without winning," Walker said. "It's, arguably, a stronger field, than first up, however the 1,200 meters is going to suit her better, so we'll have to see how she goes."
