Anthony and Sam Freedman were left deflated when their new Godolphin recruit Tom Kitten was withdrawn from the Group 1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield after a barrier incident, but the gelding will get another chance in Saturday’s Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.
Hopes had been high for the son of Harry Angel going into the Memsie after three strong trials, only for things to unravel when a rival lashed out in the gates, causing Tom Kitten to lunge forward and hit his head. The decision was made to scratch him.
Since then, he has had additional schooling at the barriers and a trial at Mornington, though that outing was far from perfect. Rider Ben Melham was caught unprepared when the field was released, leaving the gelding scrambling to chase. “The horse went in and Ben wasn’t in the saddle,” Sam Freedman said. “It was a funny trial … when he missed the start, he didn’t know what to do.”
Freedman admitted Tom Kitten has always been restless in the gates, something stewards in Sydney are well aware of. “He’s always been busy in the gates and Ben has felt he was capable of going off at times. We did a bit of work with him after the Memsie and he responded really well, so hopefully it’s behind him.”
A solid gallop at Mornington on Monday suggested the gelding was in good shape, but Freedman cautioned that raceday pressure is another matter. “I would say he’s going to need it, but I think he can run well. He’s had a good body of work but is lacking match practice against those horses.”
Connections are eyeing the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes or the Might And Power as likely second-up options, with the Cox Plate the ultimate aim if he can measure up. “The Cox Plate is the goal, but you’re only going there if you’re flying and in form,” Freedman said. “You’re not going there to make up the numbers.”