After a frustrating false start to his campaign, Tom Kitten will line up in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday with his trainers taking a cautious approach.

The Godolphin-bred gelding was expected to figure prominently in the Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 30, only for disaster to strike in the barriers. A rival’s antics caused Tom Kitten to leap forward and strike his head, resulting in his late withdrawal.

Sam Freedman said the horse has since undergone more gate work and trialled at Mornington, though circumstances there weren’t ideal. “The horse went in and Ben (Melham) wasn’t in the saddle … it was on the inside grass, a sprinter went very quick and he was chasing. When he missed the start, he didn’t know what to do.”

Freedman acknowledged Tom Kitten has long been a handful at the gates. “They are acutely aware of him in Sydney. He’s always been busy in the gates and Ben has felt he was capable of going off at times. But after the Memsie we worked with him and he responded well.”

A strong hit-out on Monday boosted confidence, but the trainer knows the Makybe Diva represents another challenge. “I’d say he’s going to need it, but he can run well. He’s had the work but is lacking race fitness against those horses. It’s a stepping stone, not his Grand Final.”

Looking ahead, the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) or Might And Power (2000m) are next on the agenda, with the Cox Plate (2040m) the dream target. “We’ll see how he runs on Saturday, but there’s still plenty of options,” Freedman said. “The Cox Plate is the goal, but only if he’s flying.”