With a host of chances running at Flemington today, all eyes will be on Godolphin’s $2.00 favourite Blair House in the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes (1200).

One of the stable’s other hopefuls will also jump alongside the prized gelding though – $26.00 roughie, It’s Somewhat. 

The eight-year old veteran has been up for a while, but after running sixth in the Crystal Mile (1600m) last start at Moonee Valley, the step back in distance might suit the American import nicely.

“The horse has got the right stuff today to be joining in at the right time,” trainer James Cummings told Sky Racing this morning.

Outside of trials, It’s Somewhat has never tackled the 1200m distance, although Cummings thinks Melbourne Cup winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy will choose to sit close to the pace over the journey.

“Kerrin (McEvoy) might have him a little closer than he has been, a couple of little changes in the horse, just the general health that he’s showing us tells me he’s capable of running well,” Cummings went on to say.

Although the market has been dominated by Blair House and Darren Weir’s Victoria Derby winner Extra Brut, It’s Somewhat has been showing plenty of promise in the lead up running second in the Group 2 Australia Hill Stakes (2000m) three starts ago.

After Avilius, who is also trained by Cummings, won the Bart Cummings Stakes last month, a win today would be emotional for the young trainer – the Mackinnon is a race his dad, Bart, won 11 times.

“This probably won’t be the strongest Mackinnon we’ll see over the next 10 years, hopefully he’s capable of giving them a little bit of a scare at 20-1” Cummings said on It’s Somewhat’s chances.