After almost two-and-a-half years, Giga Kick returned to the winner’s stall — and did it in trademark fashion.

The Clayton Douglas-trained star, who once conquered The Everest, stormed home late to capture the $300,000 Group 2 Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday, silencing his critics and reigniting talk of another Everest tilt.

It was Giga Kick’s first win since the Doomben 10,000 in May 2023 and his eighth overall, taking his prizemoney past $13 million. Sent out a $7 chance, he produced his trademark burst from the tail of the field to beat favourite Tropicus ($2.80) by three-quarters of a length, with Niance ($4.40) third.

“It’s a relief…I’m going to get emotional,” Douglas admitted. “He’s been a lot of hard work, but good horses do good things. People doubted him, said he was too big or not ready — but he showed them today.”

The Mornington trainer hinted Giga Kick could yet secure the final slot in next Saturday’s $20 million The Everest. “We’ll have a chat anyway,” Douglas said. “He’s earned $4 million more than that whole field combined. If that doesn’t get a phone call, I don’t know what will.”

Last year’s Everest runner-up to Bella Nipotina, Giga Kick was trimmed to $26 in betting for this year’s edition, headed by Hong Kong star Ka Ying Rising ($1.60).

For odds and betting offers on The Everest and other spring features, visit Australia’s best betting sites.