The stable of Anthony and Sam Freedman seeks a steadier autumn run for Tom Kitten than the spring’s disruptions.
Spring saw Tom Kitten in perpetual recovery mode following a gate scratch during the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in August.
Tom Kitten joined the Freedman father-and-son operation for his first time after James Cummings left Godolphin.
The new season will see Cummings launch his training in Hong Kong.
According to Sam Freedman, the gelding’s prior prep flowed smoothly to the intended opener, with the co-trainer stating the ongoing one is even stronger.
Comeback awaits Tom Kitten at Caulfield Saturday in the Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1400m).
Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) shifted to mid-November, allowing the Kevin Heffernan Stakes to take its place.
Tom Kitten prepared via two jump-outs for the return, Craig Williams taking over the mount as Ben Melham sits out a ban.
January 28 at Balnarring brought a fourth-placed finish over 1000m in his most recent gallop.
“He’s been excellent,” Freedman said.
“His trial last week was sharp, and he’s come back better than when he started his prep last time.
“Plus, there’s no Via Sistina to worry about this time.”
The Freedmans envision an autumn targeting Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) Caulfield on February 21, Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m) Flemington March 7, and potentially Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) Flemington March 28.
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“It will be nice to get a run into him before the Futurity and then he can go to the All-Star Mile and on to the Australian Cup,” Freedman said.
“He’s got a good fresh record and he’s ticking over well.”
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