In the mile contest, most horse trainers agree that overcoming Autumn Glow at Flemington this Saturday is a significant hurdle, and Sam Freedman is among them. However, if an improver is to emerge behind her, Tom Kitten could be that horse.
A gear adjustment, returning to a configuration that has brought success, and a return to his best form could point to an improved performance from the enigmatic gelding.
Tom Kitten will contest the Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m) against more challenging rivals, but the race is there, and the Freedman camp is approaching it with a ‘why not’ mentality.
“She’s a superstar,” Sam said, understandably with little more to offer regarding his opinion of Autumn Glow.
“We are applying blinkers to Tom. He hasn’t worn them at any stage of his career, so we thought this was the appropriate time.
“We need to close the gap, I don’t know by how many lengths, to reach their level, but he’s in good form.
“He is a dual winner of the All-Star Mile, so it feels like the correct strategic move.”
His last-start second in the Group 2 Craven Plate (1800m) at Randwick has brought Tom Kitten back to a semblance of his winning form, but a rise to 2000m in the Champions Stakes was less ideal.
“His record at the mile here is exceptional, and it feels like a more suitable race for him,” Freedman added.
“He has raced at 2000m many times in his career, and it didn’t seem like strongly run 2000m races were his forte.
“With horses coming out of the Cox Plate, they will be racing at a high tempo, and he might just find himself lacking.
Betting markets for the 2026 Champions Mile are now open with leading sports betting platforms.