It’s Somewhat Is the 2017 Doncaster Mile Winner

It’s Somewhat has led from start to finish to beat a talented and capacity field in this afternoon’s featured Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) on Day 1 of The Championships at Royal Randwick.

It's Somewhat led from start to finish in this afternoon's Group 1 Doncaster Mile at Randwick. Photo: Steve Hart

It’s Somewhat led from start to finish in this afternoon’s Group 1 Doncaster Mile at Randwick. Photo: Steve Hart

The Dynaformer gelding was all but abandoned by punters in Doncaster Mile betting markets, but did his chances of success no harm when jumping well and immediately taking up the pace, alongside Testashadow, I Am A Star and Ecuador.

Holding a position on the rail and setting only a fair tempo for his nineteen opponents, It’s Somewhat was offered a clear racing line upon arriving at the final straight and jockey Zac Purton almost immediately went for the whip; opening a gap on the field and making for a particularly difficult chase.

Having opened a gap of close to four lengths, It’s Somewhat maintained a strong-enough sprint to the line to withstand a flying Happy Clapper; Villiers Stakes winner Sense Of Occasion running on well to finish third.

Trainer John O’Shea was thrilled with It’s Somewhat’s performance to win the Doncaster Mile and was quick to lay the praise on the horse, as well as an impressive team effort by Godolphin.

“To win in the Blue, it’s just a great achievement for us,” O’Shea said.

“We were quietly confident that he’d run first four all week, but when the track playted the way that it did, we knew he’d be tough and he was.

“It was a great ride from Zac Purton and I’ve owed him a good one for a while!

“We just rode the track and the way it’s playing. We knew that he was a tough, fit horse and he’d done very well from his first-up run, and he just hoped.”

Purton’s ride was arguably the difference in It’s Somewhat being named the Doncaster Mile winner and the hoop was complimentary of the horse’s class and ability displayed in the race.

“It wasn’t necessarily our plan to go to the front, but I had a look at his win here over 2000m last preparation and I liked the way that he used his action,”

“John said to be today that he’s really fit and to go forward. I was happy enough to let him be there and just to keep rolling along.

“At the 300m I was pretty confident because he was going through his gears well and he gave me a good kick. At the 100m I could feel Happy Clapper coming and I was just hoping that the winning post got to me before it got to him!”

It’s Somewhat has posted an impressive eight wins and ten minors, through a total of thirty-one career starts to date.

About The Author

Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.