Doncaster Mile winner It’s Somewhat will make his first 2017 Spring Carnival appearance in the Group 1 $500,000 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Sunday.
Doncaster Mile winner It;s Somewhat, above, is the top weight for the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield. Photo by Steve Hart.
The James Cummings trained It’s Somewhat rounded off his preparation with a visit to Caulfield this morning for a solid hit out on the course proper and stable representative David Charles was pleased with the result.
“The opportunity to come to Caulfield is a big advantage,” Charles said.
“For any horse to have a trip away, getting towards the pointy end of the season, it’s always good.”
It’s Somewhat has also had two barrier trials for his return to the race track and after finishing fifth over 800m at Warwick Farm on August 25 went to Cranbourne to win a 1190m trial on September 18.
“He’s in good order,” Charles said.
“Craig (Williams) was happy with the way he trialled.”
“We thought he would just benefit from having the trip away, fitness-wise, so he’ll be ready to go.”
Twenty-four horses have been nominated for the Group 1 Handicap this Sunday with It’s Somewhat being allocated the top weight of 58kg.
Since winning the Group 1 $3m The Star Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick during the 2017 Sydney Autumn Carnival, It’s Somewhat won the Group 2 $358,000 A.D. Hollindale Stakes (1800m) at the Gold Coast on May 6 and then ran ninth to Sense Of Occasion in the Group 1 $650,000 Doomben Cup (2000m) at Doomben a fortnight later.
Victoria’s leading trainer Darren Weir has nominated four for the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes with Lucky Hussler the highest weighted with 56.5kg ahead of Tosen Stardom with 55.5kg, Voodoo Lad with 55kg and El Divino on the 52kg minimum.
The Lindsay Park Team of David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig also have four entries for the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, Grande Rosso with 52.5kg while Sovereign Nation, Cannyescent and Snitzson all on the 52kg minimum.
Caulfield Guineas favourite Royal Symphony was also nominated for the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes but trainer Tony McEvoy has already confirmed that the Domesday colt will run in the Group 3 $175,000 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) at the same meeting.
The well performed West Australian trained Scales Of Justice has been allocated 56kg and heads the early betting at Ladbrokes.com.au at $4.60 ahead of Tosen Stardom at $6 and Theanswermyfriend at $6.50.
Early market order for the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Ladbrokes.com.au: $4.60 Scales Of Justice, $6 Tosen Stardom, $6.50 Theanswermyfriend, $8 Mr Sneaky, $13 Bons Away, Voodoo Lad, $15 Grande Rosso, Soverign Nation, $17 Cannyescent, So Si Bon, $21 Attention, Charmed Harmony, It’s Somewhat, Land Of Plenty, Santa Anna Lane, Savile Row, $26 Lucky Hussler, $34 El Divino, Wyndspelle, $41 Royal Tudor, Snitzson, $67 Great Esteem, $301 Magicus.
