It's Somewhat will start at short odds in the Doomben Cup
Godolphin’s It’s Somewhat will start at short odds to become the 11th horse to win the Hollindale Stakes-Doomben Cup double but will have not shortage of rivals.
It’s Somewhat gave John O’Shea his last stakes winner as Godolphin’s head trainer when he beat Single Gaze by a half neck in Saturday’s Group Two Hollindale Stakes (1800m) at the Gold Coast.
O’Shea’s former assistant, Darren Beadman, got his trainer’s licence on Friday afternoon and took over on Sunday as interim head trainer at Godolphin.
It’s Somewhat, who won the Group One Doncaster Mile at his previous start, will meet most of his rivals from the Hollindale in the Group One Doomben Cup (2000m) on May 20.
The Hollindale is usually a good guide to the Doomben Cup dating back to the mighty Rough Habit who took the double twice in 1991 and 1992.
Beadman believes It’s Somewhat will take a lot of benefit from the win on Saturday.
“He won a trial after the Doncaster but there is no doubt the race will have been good for him,” Beadman said.
“They really served it up to him in the Hollindale but he showed a lot of courage.”
Winning jockey Tye Angland, who was fined $1000 for excessive whip use, also believes It’s Somewhat will be further improved.
“They came at us quickly after we were able to lead but his class and courage told,” Angland said.
Kathy O’Hara, who rode runner-up Single Gaze, is one who isn’t conceding defeat in the Doomben Cup.
“It was a terrific run but I had to use her up early and she will be even fitter in the Doomben Cup ” O’Hara said.
Damian Browne, who rode third placed Maurus, said the gelding would be better suited over the 2000m of the Doomben Cup and a wet track would also help.
Perhaps, the eye-catching run of the race was from fifth placed Rudy who travelled four and five deep and battled on strongly to be beaten less than three lengths.
“Just give us a good barrier in the Doomben Cup. It was just the latest in a series of hard luck stories for him but surely things will go our way soon,” trainer Helen Page said.
Hugh Bowman, who rode a treble on the day, said fourth placed Preferment would also be better suited over longer.
