Godolphin’s Tom Kitten has finally claimed a Group 1 win, taking out the All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington.
The talented galloper showed promise as a two-year-old, winning the Listed Fernhill Stakes and securing the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes in his three-year-old season. However, after a winless autumn, Tom Kitten was gelded.
Returning in spring, he showed high-level competition but it wasn’t until Saturday’s race that he took the victory.
Under Ben Melham, Tom Kitten ($4.60) defeated the $2.70 favourite Mr Brightside by a short-half-head, with Light Infantry Man ($26) in third.
Melham noted Tom Kitten’s impressive return after an unlucky Futurity Stakes run, saying, “He’s really genuine now. For him to put another big one on the mantlepiece is a great effort by the horse and the stable.”
Godolphin’s Nacim Dilmi expressed confidence in Tom Kitten’s form, adding, “He’s in for a good prep, and he sure has.”
The gelding will now head towards the Australian Cup at 2000 metres on March 29.