It’s Somewhat reinstated as favourite for Doomben Cup

Doncaster Mile winner It’s Somewhat has been reinstated as favourite following the barrier draw for Saturday’s Group 1 $650,000 Hardy Brothers Doomben Cup (2000m) at Doomben.

It's Somewhat, above, has been reinstated as the favourite for the Doomben Cup following the barrier draw. Photo by Steve Hart.

It’s Somewhat, above, has been reinstated as the favourite for the Doomben Cup following the barrier draw. Photo by Steve Hart.

It’s Somewhat, with James Doyle to ride, drew barrier six in the capacity field for the Doomben Cup and the bookies at Ladbrokes.com.au now have the Darren Beadman trained gelding as the $4.20 favourite, relegating Articus to the second line of betting at $4.60.

The Darren Weir trained Articus had held his position at the top of the market order all week after scoring a solid win $100,000 Chairman’s Club Handicap (1800m) at Flemington on May 6.

Articus drew barrier eight with Brenton Avdulla booked to ride.

But It’s Somewhat is also racing in career best form with three wins from his last three starts which includes an all the way win two starts back in the Group 1 $3m The Star Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick on April 1 followed by another front running display to win the Group 2 $358,000 Attwood Marshall A.D. Hollindale Stakes (1800m) at the Gold Coast on May 6.

Beadman has reported that It’s Somewhat has maintained his good form on the training tracks and looks in great order.

“Everything suggest he’s held his form and he’s come up with a perfect barrier,” Beadman said.

“He’s worked well and retained his fitness since winning at the Gold Coast. He galloped very nicely there this week.

“If he can repeat what he’s done at his last three it should put him into the race. The great thing is that he gives 100 per cent every run, and he still seems to have some freshness in his legs.”

On the third line of betting at $8 is the Nick Olive trained Single Gaze who drew barrier fourteen in the original draw but could move in two spots with both emergencies drawing inside of her.

Regular rider Kathy O’Hara is in the saddle again in the Doomben Cup and the pair were back in the winner’s circle two starts back with a solid victory in the Listed $100,000 Tails Stakes (1600m) at Doomben on April 22 before finishing second to It’s Somewhat in the A.D. Hollindale Stakes at the Gold Coast.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.