Doncaster Mile winner It’s Somewhat has geared up for the Group 1 $1m Magic Millions-Kingston Town Classic (1800m) at Ascot in Perth on December 9 with a barrier trial win at Belmont.
It’s Somewhat, above, has geared up for the Kingston Town Classic with a Belmont barrier trial win. Photo by Steve Hart.
It’s Somewhat was winless from three starts during the Melbourne Spring Carnival but was competitive with a third to Lucky Hussler in the Group 2 $200,000 Schweppes Crystal Mile (1600m) at The Valley on October 28 followed by a third behind Tosen Stardom and Happy Clapper in the Group 1 $2m Emirates Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on November 11.
Godolphin assistance trainer Paul Reid accompanied It’s Somewhat to Perth and reported back to head trainer James Cummings that the seven year old has thrived since travelling to the West.
“We let James know he’d done so well and on Friday he asked if there was any chance of trialling him,” Reid said.
“He put on a little bit of weight travelling over and he settled in really well.
“Damian was very happy with him. He’s pulled up very well and that will just sharpen him up nicely.
“We expect him to be running very well in the Kingston Town.”
Damian Lane was aboard It’s Somewhat for his last to first win in the Belmont barrier trial on Tuesday but Brenton Avdulla takes over the reins in the Kingston Town Classic.
It’s Somewhat’s only Group 1 win was his all the way victory for Zac Purton in the Group 1 $3m The Star Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick during the 2017 Sydney Autumn Carnival.
Early betting for the Kingston Town Classic at Ladbrokes.com.au has It’s Somewhat as the second pick at $4.60 behind the Darren Weir trained Black Heart Bart who heads the market order at $3.50.
Early betting for the 2017 Kingston Town Classic at Ladbrokes.com.au: $3.50 Black Heart Bart, $4.60 It’s Somewhat, $7 Perfect Jewel, $9 Tom Melbourne, $10 Achernar Star, $13 Life Less Ordinary, $21 All Our Roads, Pounamu, Royal Star, $Cosmic Storm, Gatting, Great Shot, Money Maher, Silverstream, Ulmann, $67 or better the rest.