James Cummings is following a familiar path with one of his geldings in Saturday’s Futurity Stakes, but the other will be venturing into unknown territory.
Tom Kitten will make his first start in Victoria in over two years when he lines up in the $750,000 Group 1.
Tom Kitten’s first three starts included two in Victoria, with the most recent being the 2023 Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Flemington, where he finished fifth. Since then, the son of Harry Angel has raced exclusively in Sydney.
Saturday will mark Tom Kitten’s debut at Caulfield, and Cummings was pleased to see him draw a low barrier, gate two, for the 1400-metre weight-for-age race.
“He hasn’t had a chance to look around Caulfield yet, but the inner draw was valuable to him and Ben Melham should be able to enjoy a smooth run with him,” Cummings said.
“Although he faces tough competition here, he’s ready to run a good race.”
The Futurity will be his first start since finishing third in the Golden Eagle (1500m), and the four-year-old impressed with a third-place finish in a recent jumpout. Cummings mentioned that how he performs will play a significant role in shaping the rest of his preparation.
“We have options, including the possibility of running in the All-Star Mile if he performs well in the Futurity,” Cummings said.
“I could bring him back for the George Ryder, and he’s one of our top contenders for the Doncaster at the moment.”
“That’s a race we’re targeting, so that’s essentially what he’s gearing up for now.”
Tom Kitten will start just outside his stablemate Pericles, who finished runner-up to Mr Brightside in last year’s Futurity Stakes.
The Street Boss gelding also placed in a Group 2 P B Lawrence Stakes over the Caulfield 1400m, and while he has had several chances at Group 1 level, Cummings is content to keep trying while the horse is in good form.
“He’s been to Caulfield before, and Blake (Shinn) has a good relationship with him,” Cummings said.
“He’s a reliable horse and will show up to run a solid race.”
“He hasn’t won at Group 1 level in 10 attempts, but one of these days could be his time.”
The Futurity Stakes will precede Saturday’s main event, the $2 million Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m), where Cummings will be represented by Tempted, last-start runner-up in the Group 3 Widden Stakes.