The best of the James Cummings-trained Tom Kitten was on display at Royal Randwick on Saturday with the progressive young stayer so impressive with his demolition job to win the 2023 Spring Champion Stakes.

2023 Spring Champion Stakes winner Tom Kitten was outstanding out over 2000m in Sydney. Photo: Steve Hart.

Jockey Adam Hyeronimus came aboard the well-backed Harry Angel colt in place of Nash Rawiller and, after peeling out four-deep on the home turn, was able to salute for the punters in an absolute cakewalk.

“Unbelievable. Gee he’s some horse,” the winning hoop said post-win.

“He’s a gentle giant but he’s got so much ability.

“I don’t think they’ve got to the bottom of him, I think he’ll be better next preparation.

“It’s fantastic to ride it for James (Cummings) and Godolphin.

“Obviously he’s a colt winning a Group 1 and he’s been the main seed all the way along 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.”

Tom Kitten presented rock hard fit in the Group 1 $2 million Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) after four previous runs this prep.

He returned to winning form for the first time since his first-up success in the Group 3 Up And Coming Stakes (1300m), winning back the love of the punters after three subsequent placings.

After being narrowly denied by Raf Attack last start at the track on The Everest Day in the Group 3 Gloaming Stakes (1800m), Tom Kitten ($2.50F) relished the extra furlong with a barnstorming run over the 2000m.

“Outstanding. The horse’s misfortunes have been immeasurable these past three starts,” Cummings told Sky Thoroughbred Central.

“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.”

It was a memorable victory by the Godolphin-raced galloper who put a nearly four-length winning margin on the runner-up Cap Ferrat ($16) from the Chris Waller stable.

Third went to the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Ganbare ($14) who held for the placing off an on-speed run throughout.

Hyeronimus gave the rails-drawn top elect a patient ride parked mid-field as Raf Attack led the field around after going around right around out wide to sit in front.

Tom Kitten was travelling strongly on the rails, gradually improving his position before going wide when straightening to round up his rivals, hit the front a furlong out from the line and dominate for a much-deserved Group 1 victory.

“He’s just kept improving, he’s been training so solidly at Osborne Park,” Cummings said.

“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.”

There looks options galore now for Tom Kitten who could press on with a quick back-up into Saturday week’s Group 1 $2 million Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on November 4.

“It’s worth thinking about,” Cummings said of the potential Derby tilt.

“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 is in 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.”

Ace High (2017) was the last three-year-old to complete the interstate Spring Champion Stakes – VRC Derby double.

Tom Kitten has firmed into all-in favouritism in the pre-field 2023 Victoria Derby odds at $2.50 through Ladbrokes.com.au – available by clicking here.

2023 Spring Champion Stakes Results & Finishing Order

Table Credit: Racing Australia.

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