Ascot trainer Trevor Andrews is now focusing his attention on the Ascot Pinnacles carnival after A Lot Of Good Men concluded a successful short winter campaign at Belmont on Saturday.
A Lot Of Good Men finished his two-year-old season on a high note, proving too strong for rivals Skytalker and Odinaka in a 1200m set weights and penalties race.
The horse, who shouldered the 59.5kg topweight, improved on his initial run of the campaign where he finished a length second to Hanchi over 1000m.
Andrews indicated that A Lot Of Good Men is shaping up as a strong contender for the WA Guineas (1600m), a prestigious Group 2 race he has previously won three times.
“The whole idea this prep was to bring him back and give him two runs,” Andrews told Tabradio.
“It was so he didn’t have too much down time in the paddock, then tip him out again and head for the Guineas.
“He was probably unlucky first up, but was a deserved winner on Saturday with 59.5kgs.
“I’m really happy with him and looking forward to stepping him up to the 1400m and mile.
“I think you will see the best of this horse ridden patiently over ground because he really attacks the line and has a good turn of foot.
“I’m really happy with the job he’s done and just four weeks in the paddock now.
“The Belgravia (1200m), Fairetha (1400m) and Guineas, that’s the plan with him.
“He probably could be a Placid Ark horse, but I’m really looking forward to getting him to a mile.
“He’s got a really big stride length and think it should be to his liking, he looks a miler type.
“I’m looking forward to the next step in his journey.
“He’s looks to have a bright future.”
The upcoming race schedule includes The Belgravia Stakes at Ascot on October 28, followed by the Fairetha Stakes a fortnight later, and the main target, the WA Guineas on November 25.
Andrews has a distinguished record in the WA Guineas, having trained The Right Money to victory in 2002, Vain Crusader in 2006, and King Saul in 2011.
In other stable news, Andrews confirmed that the talented gelding All The King’s Men is nearing his race resumption.
The son of King’s Troop has not competed since clinching the Listed Lex Piper Stakes (1600m) back in February.
“He’ll trial at Belmont on Monday and then goes two weeks later into an 84 plus 1000m,” Andrews commented.
“He’s really developed since last prep.
“I just want to lift his ratings up a little bit so hopefully we can guarantee a start ideally in the Railway.
“I’m really happy with him and you’ll see him soon.”
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