Trainer Sam Freedman has assured connections and punters there are no concerns with Tom Kitten after the Godolphin star was slow out of the gates in a Mornington jumpout on Wednesday.
The All-Star Mile winner was a late scratching from last Saturday’s Group 1 Memsie Stakes after becoming fractious in the barriers, sparking fresh questions about his spring campaign. But Freedman said Wednesday’s sluggish start had a simple explanation.
“Ben (Melham) was actually a bit late getting on him and they began without him being completely ready, so he missed the start by about a length,” Freedman told racing.com’s The Verdict podcast.
Tom Kitten finished second-last in the 900-metre hit-out, though Freedman stressed he was not asked for an effort.
“Visually, the trial won’t look flash,” he said. “But 900 metres on the inside grass at Mornington is not an easy assignment for a big horse like him. After the line, he was getting going, and all being well we will line up in the Makybe Diva.”
While the colt has shown some anxiety at the barriers, Freedman said it has not been an issue since joining their stable.
“He’s been going great in his jumpouts and beginning fine. Having to stand in there for a while on race day was probably a different experience for him this prep.”
Freedman conceded missing the Memsie was not ideal but said Tom Kitten remains firmly in the frame for spring features including the Cox Plate.
“As a trainer, you get pretty used to having to pivot,” he said.
Mornington Jump Out 1 | Bossy Benita
After being scratched at barriers last Saturday, Tom Kitten was back at the jump outs for a hitout this morning… 👀
REPLAYS: https://t.co/KfbpGZtlw6 pic.twitter.com/ZfYXRpLxAC
— Racing.com (@Racing) September 2, 2025
