The replays and sectional times have been reviewed from Saturday’s Everest meeting at Randwick and has found a sprinter ready to step up in trip and a Pride runner that looks on track for the G2 Hunter.
Giga Kick
The 2022 winner returned for his 2nd Everest as a 5yo. He showed terrific improvement in the yard and the run he turned out matched his looks. He was the slowest into stride from the gates and couldn’t make use of barrier 2 settling last on the rail. He worked his way into the race nicely along the rail and started a strong run on straightening. He looked the winner when he drew level with Bella Nipotina at the 100m but went down fighting on what could be assesed as the inferior ground on the inside for 0.1L 2nd. His 33.41 final 600m was the fastest of the race and 11.47 final 200m was the 2nd fastest behind Joliestar.
As a 5yo he looks like he wants more ground. The renamed Russell Balding Stakes (Winners Stakes) over 1300m looks a perfect next assignment at Rosehill in a fortnight.
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Coal Crusher
The Joe Pride 7yo really impressed at $61 in the Sydney Stakes. He settled behind leader and eventual winner Overpass and fought on solidly the whole way on the straight along the fence, where no winners had made their runs all day, to finish 1.4L 2nd.
He looks primed to defend his win in last year’s G2 Hunter at Newcastle in a month. You’d imagine they’ll sharpen him up with blinkers again like they did last year.
