Tom Kitten poised for improvement with gear switch

At the mile distance, a majority of trainers concede that defeating Autumn Glow at Flemington on Saturday is a formidable task, a sentiment shared by Sam Freedman. Nevertheless, Tom Kitten might emerge as the improver to contend with her.

A change in equipment, reverting to a setup that has previously yielded success, and a return to competitive form could indicate enhanced performance from the inconsistent gelding.

Tom Kitten is set to participate in the Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m), facing stiffer opposition, but the race is available, and the Freedman team is entering with a 'why not' mindset.

"She's a superstar," Sam stated, understandably adding little more to his appraisal of Autumn Glow.

"We are fitting blinkers to Tom. He hasn't had them on at any point in his career thus far, so we believed this was the right time.

"We have to make up, I'm uncertain by how many lengths, to match their performance, but he is in good shape.

"He has secured victory in the All-Star Mile twice, so it seems like the correct decision."

A second-place finish last start in the Group 2 Craven Plate (1800m) at Randwick has seen Tom Kitten regain a semblance of his winning capabilities, but an increase in distance to 2000m in the Champions Stakes was less favourable.

"His performance record over the mile here is outstanding, and this feels like a more appropriate contest for him," Freedman elaborated.

"He has competed at 2000m on many occasions during his racing career, and it didn't appear that strongly contested 2000m races were his specialty.

"Considering the horses coming from the Cox Plate, they will likely push the pace, and he might be left wanting."

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