It's Somewhat And Malice To Tackle G2 Villiers

Time/Date - 16.25hrs local time/Saturday, December 12
Racecourse/Country - Randwick/Australia
Surface/Distance - Turf/1600m

A double-handed quest for stakes success will be made by the stablemates It's Somewhat and Malice in the G2 Villiers Stakes at Randwick on Saturday, December 12.

The Godolphin pair is opposed to a useful line-up in Randwick's "summer mile", but both have performed well enough in their most recent races to suggest they have strong prospects of continuing the stable's good recent form.

Of the two, It's Somewhat (John O'Shea/James McDonald) appears to hold the strongest claim based on his outstanding first-up effort when second to Mighty Lucky at Rosehill on November 28.

That was only his third run in Australia and suggested he is near the form that won him a Listed race at Newbury in England and got him into third place in the G1 Eclipse Stakes at Sandown.

At his Australian debut last February, It's Somewhat (pictured) won the G3 Liverpool City Cup at Warwick Farm and confirmed the form last time out.

"He certainly represents the class on what he's done in England and what he's shown us here," Trainer John O'Shea said.

"Everything he's done since he came down here tells me that he's a good horse. He's drawn a bad gate, but he'll run well."

It's Somewhat went into his last run primed to produce a good effort, and he didn't let himself or the stable down.

With 200m to run he appeared to be safely held, but jockey James McDonald encouraged another effort from the son of Dynaformer who lifted strongly to take the lead and then hold on to finish a close second.

It's Somewhat is again opposed by his last-start conqueror Mighty Lucky, along with the in-form mare Casino Dancer and Melbourne visitor Rhythm To Spare, a winner of his past two starts.

Malice (John O'Shea/Sam Clipperton) comes to the Villiers after campaigning in good company in Melbourne.

His best effort for the spring came when second in Listed company at Flemington which he followed with a last start fifth at Group 3 level.

"He's held his form well and his condition is great. I thought his runs in Melbourne were good enough to put him into this with a definite chance," O'Shea said.

"He's a genuine Group 3 horse, he's drawn beautifully and he should run very well."