Heat and nerves got the better of Tom Kitten at his first start in Melbourne but the Godolphin colt was cool, calm and collected as he posted his maiden win at Warwick Farm.
By first season sire Harry Angel, Tom Kitten finished fourth to subsequent Chairman’s Stakes runner-up Veecee at Flemington last month and stable representative Darren Beadman said the team had expected more.
Tom Kitten pounces!@nashhot with a strong ride for @JamesCummings88 @godolphin. pic.twitter.com/4w1gRVX21K
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) February 8, 2023
“He was very well fancied first time in Melbourne. It was a very hot day and he got a bit flustered and worked up prior to the race going into the gates, which probably told on him throughout the run,” Beadman said.
“But he trialled well before that, they brought him up here in good order.
“The Harry Angels, they’re making a nice impression with the two-year-olds here, so it looks like a bright future for him.”
Nash Rawiller rode a patient race on Tom Kitten, allowing the youngster to find his feet early before creeping into the race before the corner.
He hit the front halfway up the Warwick Farm straight, only to be immediately challenged by Make A Call, a record-breaking yearling who became the highest priced lot ever sold through the Inglis Classic Sale when he fetched $825,000 last year.
However, Tom Kitten ($4.80) had enough in reserve to stave off Make A Call ($4.80) by a half-length with Atunno ($9.50) doing best of the rest for third.
Rawiller said the winner still had a lot to learn but had the makings of a promising horse.
“He’s a beautiful colt. He’s still a work in progress, he is still quite green, touchy, still a little bit raw,” Rawiller said.
“But you can feel what he’s got under the motor and there’s plenty there.
“James (Mcdonald on Make A Call) came up to beat me then he found again and away he went. It was a really promising effort and he ran the trip out really strong.”