Tom Kitten was in a class of his own in Saturday’s $2,000,000 Group 1 Moet and Chandon Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick to credit the Darley shuttler Harry Angel (IRE) with his first Group 1 winner.
Ridden by Adam Hyeronimus for James Cummings, Tom Kitten came with a sweeping run from midfield to defeat the 9-start maiden Cap Ferrat (Snitzel) by three and three-quarter lengths with the Dulcify Stakes winner Ganbare a further length back in third.
Tom Kitten has been luckless in three starts since winning the Up and Coming Stakes at Rosehill in August, and James Cummings welcomed the change in fortune.
“The horse’s misfortunes have been immeasurable these past three starts,” he said.
“It’s just fantastic that he was able to get into the clear when he found himself in the best race of the prep and he was able to show just how good he is.
“He’s just kept improving, he’s been training so solidly at Osborne Park. I thought he was capable of that yes, and he’s proved to be one of the best middle distance horses in the country today. A nomination in the Cox Plate wouldn’t have been out of place, but if we can keep getting him better and better then 12 months time he might be racing on the same day down in Melbourne.
“It’s worth thinking about (the Victoria Dery). He’s a very interesting horse, he’s from a quick family, but he’s inbred to Machiavellian the sire of Street Cry.
“The horse has a classic style about him, he looks like he would eat up 2500m and the VRC Derby is a time-honoured race, so it’s certainly worth thinking about. But whatever we do it will revolve around just how well Tom Kitten is and that’s the bottom line.”
Adam Hyeronimus made the most of his chance in his debut for Godolphin.
“Gee he’s some horse. He’s a gentle giant, but he’s got so much ability,” Hyeronimus enthused.
“I don’t think they’ve got to the bottom of him, I think he’ll be better next preparation.
“Riding it for James (Cummings) and Godolphin is fantastic. Obviously, he’s a colt winning a Group 1 and has been the main seed all the way through these races, and for him to tick that box off is very pleasing. I’m sure he’s going to be very valuable and there’s no reason why he won’t win another Group 1.
“It was a messy run race; he was probably a little bit stronger than I anticipated. He was nice and relaxed going to the start, and I was positive I wanted to hold a position, but I wasn’t expecting the race to be run like that. Although he had cover he near enough raced without cover the whole race and he was just a little bit strong.
“I worked up on the back of tired horses. I was happy to cut the corner instead of peeling him out, I saw my opportunity and took it. Once he got out I did think I’ve exposed him too early, but he’s just got so much ability.”
Tom Kitten advances his record to four wins, a second, and two thirds from ten starts with earnings of $1,623,450.
A half-brother to the Listed Canberra Guineas winner Promotions (Exceed And Excel), Tom Kitten is the fourth winner from as many to race for the winning Street Cry (IRE) mare Transfers.
A descendent of the breed-shaping import Dancing Show (USA), Transfers has a yearling colt by Brazen Beau and foaled a colt by Kingman’s 5-time Group 1 winning son Palace Pier (GB) on August 26.
Tom Kitten is the first Group 1 winner for Darley Stud’s Harry Angel (IRE).
The brilliant son of Dark Angel sired the Inglis Banner winner, and Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes third Arkansaw Kid, as well as the Listed SAJC Dequetteville Stakes winner Stretan Angel and the stakes-placegetters Vicious Harry and Ouroboros from his first crop.
