Two All-Star Mile triumphs have established Tom Kitten firmly as a leading 1600m contender in Australia, providing him with this weekend’s prospect to demonstrate his 2000m credentials anew.

This five-year-old gelding pursues an initial 2000m win since his October 2023 Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes success, entering the $2 million Australian Cup at Flemington.

A product of Harry Angel, the one-time European sprinter, Tom Kitten ran placed in last year’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Champions Stakes – taken by Via Sistina – over his prior two 2000m starts, and co-trainer Sam Freedman feels the distance increase beyond his All-Star Mile victory fits perfectly.

“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.”

The Australian Cup represents a shot at a third successive victory this season for Tom Kitten, after the Group 3 Heffernan Stakes (1400m) and his repeat All-Star Mile win at Flemington on March 7.

His record stands at eight wins from 31 races with eight additional placings, accumulating more than $7.5 million for Godolphin as a homebred.

Tom Kitten is nominated alongside 15 others for the Australian Cup, with Pride Of Jenni, Birdman and reigning victor Light Infantry Man among the key opponents.

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