Feature-race treble for Godolphin in two states

Godolphin warhorse Tom Kitten and exceptional three-year-olds Observer and Tempted started their autumn campaigns in stunning fashion on Saturday, 7 February.

The Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained Tom Kitten came from nearly last to win the G3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes over 1,400m under Craig Williams at Caulfield, two races after G1 Victoria Derby winner Observer sat outside the leader before racing away to win the the G2 Autumn Stakes over the same distance for trainer Ciaron Maher and rider Ethan Brown.

Tempted, also prepared by Maher, resumed after finishing a great second to world champion sprinter Ka Ying Rising in the G1 $20 million The Everest last October with a brilliant victory in the G3 Eskimo Prince Stakes over 1,200m at Royal Randwick with Chad Schofield aboard.

The filly raced in fourth place to the home turn before accelerating past Napoleonic to score by 1.25 lengths, with Wodeton 1.75 lengths away in third place.

She stopped the clock on a fast 1 minute 8.78 seconds and will now be aimed at the G1 Surround Stakes over 1,400m at Randwick on 28 February.

With Maher in Melbourne, Sydney assistant trainer Johann Gerard-Dubord said Tempted’s emphatic win hadn’t surprised the stable.

“She went back to Godolphin to spell and she came back well, looking magnificent,” he said.
“From day one when she came back, she couldn’t look any better.

“Everything has been very smooth and it was a good ride from Chad, everything worked out well.”

Gerard-Dubord said a bigger Tempted would chase her first G1 win in the Surround Stakes.

“She’s about 15kg heavier than last prep, so she’s stronger,” he said.
“The early target this time is the Surround in three weeks, the three weeks’ gap works out well.

“She relaxes so well and she’s got such a good turn of foot that 1,400m is no issue.”

Schofield said he enjoyed partnering Tempted in his first race ride on the chestnut, and agreed with Gerard-Dubord.
“That was a lot of fun, she’s just an aeroplane really the way she pinged out,” the jockey said.

“I knew this race would be tactical, the two dangers we on my inside and I knew they weren’t going to let me control.
“The speed was good and we were all out was good off the rails.

“She was just asleep in my hands, up the rise she was full of horse and all I had to do was steer her.
“I loved the way she was happy to relax, so 1,400m next time we’ll put her where she wants.”

Maher was on hand to witness Observer take up where he left off in the spring, when winning the G3 AAMI Vase before his G1 VRC Derby triumph.

The G2 Autumn Stakes was over when Observer dashed clear at the 300m pole to beat Planet Red by 1.25 lengths, with Victorious Spirit three-quarters of a length away in third place.

Observer will now target the G1 Australian Guineas 1,600m at Flemington against three-year-olds and possibly the G1 Australian Cup over 2,000m at weight-for-age.

Ethan Brown praised the colt and his trainer.
“He’s come back from the break really well,” the rider said.
“I know it is not his grand final but, gee, a great training performance to win first-up over 1,400m.

“He can be a bit dour but his last gallop was super.
“Ciaron has switched him on at the right time.

“The beauty of it is that he was fresh enough to hold a spot over 1,400m, so going up in trip he’ll dour out.
“But that he can hold a spot makes it easier for connections, horse and jockey.”

Godolphin Australia racing and breeding manager Jason Walsh was excited by Observer’s return.
“He’s looks a top-class animal, doesn’t he?” Walsh said.
“He’s very reminiscent of his father (Ghaiyyath) with his racing style.

“That holds him in great stead and to do that at seven (1,400m) gives us great optimism.
“He’ll be set for the Australian Guineas now and he’ll be very hard to beat.”

Walsh said the Guineas could be the first step on a big-race program for Observer.

“It makes him an exciting horse, all those classic distances are available to him,” he said.
“It would be great to add a classic G1 to his CV, that’s the short-term goal.

“And it might take in an Australian Cup, or a (ATC) Derby back here.
“He’s a very exciting horse with a big future ahead of him.”

Tom Kitten is a dual G1 winner who has raced against the best in the nation over the past few seasons.
But Walsh wouldn’t be surprised to see the big galloper reach a new peak this preparation under the Freedmans.

First-up since finishing a gallant third in the G1 Mackinnon Stakes 2,000m at Flemington last November, Tom Kitten swooped down the centre of the track to record his fifth Stakes-race victory.

Running 1 minute 22.05 seconds for 1,400m under the steadier of 59kg, Tom Kitten boosted his record to seven wins and eight placings from 30 starts for prize-money winnings of a massive $6,375,650.

The Freedmans are now likely to target the G1 All-Star Mile, which Tom Kitten won nearly 12 months ago, and possibly the G1 Australian Cup at Flemington 2,000m.

“He’s a top-class horse and was well suited under those conditions today,” Walsh said.
“Hopefully that gives him the confidence to step up next time out, back to the top level, and show us his best.

“He really is in good form this time in.
“He looks to be in a great frame of mind and hopefully that gives him the condifence to go on and accumulate bigger wins.”