Ascot-based trainer Trevor Andrews is now directing his focus towards the Ascot Pinnacles carnival after A Lot Of Good Men concluded a brief but successful winter campaign at Belmont on Saturday.
A Lot Of Good Men capped off his two-year-old season with a victory, proving too strong for Skytalker and Odinaka in a 1200m set weights and penalties event.
The horse, shouldering the 59.5kg topweight, enhanced his performance from his first-up run where he finished a length behind Hanchi over 1000m.
Andrews sees A Lot Of Good Men as a strong candidate for the WA Guineas (1600m), a Group 2 race he has a history of winning, having trained three previous victors.
“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 planned race schedule includes The Belgravia Stakes at Ascot on October 28, followed by the Fairetha Stakes two weeks later, and the WA Guineas on November 25.
Andrews’ past successes in the WA Guineas include wins with The Right Money in 2002, Vain Crusader in 2006, and King Saul in 2011.
In other stable news, Andrews reported that the classy gelding All The King’s Men is nearing his return to racing.
The son of King’s Troop has not raced since his victory in the Listed Lex Piper Stakes (1600m) in February.
“He’ll trial at Belmont on Monday and then goes two weeks later into an 84 plus 1000m,” Andrews stated.
“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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