While the Australian Cup may have fallen a touch by the wayside in recent years with the introduction of The Championships in Sydney, it is steeped with history.

First run in 1863, the 2000m contest was one of the highlights of the weight-for-age calendar, especially between 1990-2010 with some famous names adding to the honour roll.

One of the most famous wins in Australian racing history came in 2004 as Lonhro was desperately held up before charging late, emulating his sire Octagonal who won the race in 1997.

This year will see a new horse added to the honour roll and it sets up to be a fascinating race with bold front running mare Pride Of Jenni having her third start in the race after being beaten a neck in 2024 by Godolphin gelding Cascadian.

Another great Godolphin gelding who lines up as a key chance in 2026 is Tom Kitten who beat Pride Of Jenni last start in the Group 1 All-Star Mile.

Pride Of Jenni led at a strong gallop but wasn't able to break up the field as she has done in the past and Tom Kitten was able to absorb the pressure and go back-to-back in that race.

Tom Kitten's form at 2000m is perhaps better than it looks on paper – third to champion mare Via Sistina in both the Spring and Autumn last year says he can match it with the best.

Despite coming off a Group 1 win however, Tom Kitten isn't the early favourite, that role belonging to Birdman who has posted two big wins over 1600m and 1800m at his past two starts in Group 2 company, running fast late sectionals to win impressively.

He was far too good for Apulia and last year's Australian Cup winner Light Infantry Man at Caulfield last time and a repeat of that effort ensures Tom Kitten has to be at his best.

That said, Tom Kitten has the runs on the board and is proven to handle any scenario that may arise so we'll back him in at the bigger prices.

Photo: Other Racing Photos