It's Somewhat Gallant From Wide Villiers Draw

English import It's Somewhat ran a typically brave and honest race to take third place in the Group 2 Villiers Stakes at Randwick on Saturday, December 12.

With a big weight and a wide draw playing against him, It's Somewhat was confronted by serious obstacles, but still went close to overcoming them.

Trainer John O'Shea said he couldn't be unhappy with the effort of the son of Dynaformer who was having his sixth Australian start.

"He's paid the price for winning a fairly moderate Group Three race last preparation and for being a Listed winner in England," O'Shea said.

"He had to carry topweight of 59kg today which he found difficult."

It's Somewhat also had to contend with gate 14 in a field of 20 that included some in-form opposition.

"The gate was always going to make it even more difficult, so under the circumstances he's run very well and done himself proud," O'Shea said.

Jockey James McDonald said he had little choice but to allow It's Somewhat to race wide, his only other option being to ease back in the big field.

"I would have been giving away a long start to all those horses having nice runs up front, so the best choice was to let him roll along within reach of them," he said.

"In the end the combination of the weight and the barrier was just too much."

It's Somewhat settled into a trailing position in midfield before beginning a forward move at the 800m.

As he levelled out over the rise in the Randwick straight, McDonald asked for an extra effort and the gelding responded well to challenge the leaders.

But with the benefit of an easier run, the eventual winner Happy Clapper produced a late sprint that carried him to a one-length victory.

It's Somewhat fought on well to be a short-neck behind the runner-up Tinto.