Godolphin’s star colt, Tom Kitten, has been ruled out of participating in the Group 1 Victoria Derby at Flemington this Saturday, despite becoming the Derby favourite with a remarkable win in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes at Royal Randwick.
Trainer James Cummings was contemplating a seven-day turnaround for Tom Kitten, but after discussions involving Godolphin’s managing director Vin Cox, racing and bloodstock manager Jason Walsh, and Cummings, it was decided to give the colt a break.
The decision to rest him had an immediate impact on Victoria Derby betting, making Chris Waller’s Riff Rocket the new favourite with online bookmakers at $2.50, ahead of Apulia at $4.50, who won the Moonee Valley Vase.
Cummings will still be well-represented on Derby Day at Flemington, with talented colt Cylinder as the $4.50 favourite for the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes.