Gout Gout and Lachie Kennedy blow away rivals with dazzling Stawell Gift debuts

• Rising sprint stars each win their heat at historic 120m handicap event
• John Evans qualifies for Monday’s semi-finals with fastest time of 12:13

Big guns Gout Gout and Lachlan Kennedy have more than justified their star billing with commanding heat wins on debut at the Stawell Gift. Schoolboy superstar Gout (1m) won the second-last of 22 heats in 12.31 seconds on Saturday.

Racing off the backmark of 0.25m in the final heat, Kennedy was even more impressive. The 21-year-old had the race in his keeping well before the finish line and cruised home in 12.23 – the third quickest time overall.

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