Emirates trial for Somewhat ahead of Perth

Godolphin Australia head trainer James Cummings has an eye to the future for Emirates Stakes contender It’s Somewhat while at the same time concentrating on the Group One race at Flemington.

Cummings has selected the $1 million Kingston Town Stakes (1800m) at Ascot next month as the an ideal target for It’s Somewhat.

The winner of the Doncaster Mile at Randwick in April, It’s Somewhat is also entered for the Railway Stakes (1600m) on November 25 in Perth.

But first he runs at Flemington on Saturday in the $2 million Emirates (2000m) in which he’ll be ridden by Brenton Avdulla.

Saturday’s race over 2000m will be It’s Somewhat’s third run this campaign.

He found the 1400m too short first-up at Caulfield in September before running third at Moonee Valley two weeks ago.

“His run in the Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley where he was second-up at weight-for-age was a solid one,” Cummings said.

“I think the fast-run nature of that race is going to help him stepping up to a mile-and-a-quarter and he’s going to be really peaking for Perth in the Kingston Town.”

It’s Somewhat will be one of two runners for Godolphin with the Charlie Appleby-trained English horse Folkswood also lining up in the royal blue colours.

Cummings said Folkswood, who is the $5 favourite following his last-start third behind Winx in the Cox Plate, was the one to beat but he expected It’s Somewhat ($17) to run well.

“He’s in great shape and we think he’s improved a fraction from Moonee Valley,” Cummings said.

“It’s his first occasion racing at Flemington which is a track I think will really suit It’s Somewhat but it’s a really strong field and I think he might be a little better back to 1800 metres.

“Perth is our number one target but he’s ready to run well here.”