A couple of All-Star Mile wins have stamped Tom Kitten one of Australia’s best 1600-metre horses and this weekend he gets the chance to again prove his prowess at 2000m.
The five-year-old will be chasing his first win at that trip since claiming the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes in October 2023 when he lines up in the $2 million Australian Cup at Flemington.
A gelded son of former European sprinter Harry Angel, Tom Kitten placed in last year’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Champions Stakes – both won by Via Sistina – at his past two runs at 2000m and co-trainer Sam Freedman thinks the rise in trip from his All-Star Mile win suits.
“He’s in good form and at 2000 metres he might be slightly more effective than the mile,” Freedman, who trains in partnership with his father Anthony, said.
“He bounced out of the (last) run really well, so he’s going to be ready to go next week.
“Three weeks between runs suits and his fitness is good.”
Tom Kitten will chasing a third-straight win for the campaign in the Australian Cup, having won the Group 3 Heffernan Stakes (1400m) prior to making it back-to-back wins in the All-Star Mile at Flemington on March 7.
Eight wins from 31 starts, with a further eight minor placings, has helped the Godolphin homebred amass a tick over $7.5 million in stakes.
Tom Kitten is one of 16 entries for the Australian Cup with Pride Of Jenni, Birdman and defending champion Light Infantry Man headline his list of potential rivals.