It’s Somewhat was unable to make anything of a competitive impact through two starts in the early spring before returning to the paddock, but trainer John O’Shea is pleased with the returning condition of the import and is confident he will run a big race in Saturday’s Listed Festival Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens.
John O’Shea is pleased with It’s Somewhat ahead of Saturday’s Festival Stakes at Rosehill. Photo: Steve Hart
It’s Somewhat began his racing career under the guidance of notable British trainer Mark Johnston in 2013 and has mustered an impressive record of three wins and a further five minors through only seventeen competitive appearances.
The Dynaformer gelding clearly needed the run when eighth in the Group 2 Warwick Stakes (1400m) first-up on August 22nd and progressed to seventh in the Group 2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) before it was found he was harbouring a minor ailment.
O’Shea told Racing Ahead It’s Somewhat’s work through recent weeks has been very good but concedes he is unsure how the horse will respond to the Rosehill surface in the 2015 Festival Stakes.
“He had a little setback during the prep and we just decided to pull the pin because he just wasn’t going right,” O’Shea said.
“Probably forgiving those first two runs he looks to be going somewhere near his best or definitely going as well as his way in the autumn.
“Probably the query for him will be the ground and his capacity to account for the ground but we’ll find that out after tomorrow.
“He is in good order, is working well at home and he’s ready to run well.”
It’s Somewhat was a standout performer for Johnston through his final British preparation in 2013; running third in each of the Listed Dee Stakes (2081m), Group 1 Coral Eclipse (2012m) and Group 3 Gordon Stakes (2414m) most notably.
Immediately stamping himself as one to watch upon debuting in Australia this year, It’s Somewhat charged home to win the Group 3 Liverpool City Cup (1300m) first-up but was unlucky to be blocked for a run late when ninth in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) on March 21st.
Ladbrokes Australia is currently offering It’s Somewhat at 2015 Festival Stakes odds of $5 for success.
