Unassuming It’s Somewhat resumes in G1 Sir Rupert Clarke

Trainer James Cummings has warned against underestimating his high-class miler It’s Somewhat (Hugh Bowman) when the gelding resumes racing in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield on Sunday.

“He’s running first up in a G1 handicap that is going to be a little hard for him to win. He’s topweight with 58 kilos and is the top-rated horse in the race,” Cummings said.

“But in his favour is that he actually has quite a good first-up record and he can be an unassuming, free-galloping style of horse.

It’s Somewhat’s free-wheeling tactics were put to good use when he led throughout to win the country’s most important 1600m race, the G1 Doncaster Mile at Randwick last Autumn.

Cummings is realistic about the seven-year-old’s prospects in Sunday’s 1400m race, but believes the experience could set him up for a successful Spring.

“He’s won the Doncaster and he was successful at weight-for-age in the Hollindale Stakes in Queensland on the back of some pretty solid efforts over 2000m last preparation,” he said.

He also proved himself a capable type in England, finishing third in one of the country’s best races, the G1 Coral Eclipse Stakes.

“The 1400m here will be a nice introduction to his Spring campaign. He might not win the race, but I think he can acquit himself very well and when he gets back to weight-for-age company after this, he’s going to be ready to fire.

“He had a trial a couple of weeks out from this run and a visit to Caufield on Tuesday to help him get around the track after having a relatively negative experience at his first attempt there in the Coongy Cup last Spring.”

In that race at G3-level he found himself in heavy traffic back in the field and ran on well when clear to finish third to Vanburgh.

In his reacquaintance with the track on Tuesday, It’s Somewhat produced a strong piece of work over 1200m which he finished off in impressive style.