Durston wins Caulfield Cup, Gigakick conquers Everest

Long shots and last-minute entries won the two richest races in Australia in Sydney and Melbourne.

Durston made the most of his last-minute entry on the field to give champion Australian trainer Chris Waller his second Caulfield Cup victory.

And in Sydney, 18-1 outsider Giga Kick scored in a tight finish to claim Everest.

Left as the first emergency of the $5 million race when the field was decided, Durston was elevated to the famous handicap for scratching on the morning of the race.

In a pulsating finish, Durston arrived late on the scene and jockey Michael Dee pulled the race away from the top-class Gold Trip.

Knights Order moved up most places before filling minor places.

Durston was one of Waller’s four Caulfield Cup runners to win his first race against winner filly Very Elegant in 2020.

Favorite Smokin’ Romans was given every chance by jockey Jamie Carr. He closed in on the race at the turn and switched to the inside of the runners, but conceded ground late and finished just behind the standings.

Nature strip disappointing

Undefeated at Royal Randwick, 3-year-old Giga Kick clinched $15 million in prize money and blazed his way to racing stardom. Everest.

One of the last horses selected to compete in a turf race for the world’s wealthiest thoroughbred, Giga Kick reeled in an older rival with an explosive finish and was a dream come true for young trainer Clayton Douglas. yielded results like

In the fifth start, Gigakick, who came from the second half of the field under jockey Craig Williams, denied Wonder Splinter’s Nature strip by one second Everest win.

In a win that seemed unlikely weeks ago, Williams reveals a boost in confidence between Gigakick’s victory at Caulfield in August and Flemington earlier this month. made it

“I said to Clayton, ‘He (Everest) slot, but he’s 12 months away,” Williams said.

“But after I rode him the day before he won the Danehill Stakes, I said he might not be 12 months away after all.”

Williams was right, and Douglas, a former jump jockey, challenged slot-holder James Harron when he called in to deliver a giga kick. Everest Bath.

-with AAP