It’s been near two decades since trainer Trevor Andrews took out the Fairetha Stakes (1400m), but he believes A Lot Of Good Men presents a golden opportunity of returning to the races honour roll on Saturday.
Trevor Andrews is backing A Lot Of Good Men to pass his biggest test in the $125,000 Listed Fairetha Stakes and add valuable black-type status after missing feature juvenile races last season.
A $42,000 Magic Millions buy, A Lot Of Good Men was ruled out of lucrative two-year-old races in the autumn after going shin sore following a fourth to Super Smink in the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (1200m) in February.
Going into the Fairetha Stakes third up, A Lot Of Good Men found the 3YO Classic (1000m) to sharp when unplaced before showing improvement to finish fifth and 1 ½ lengths behind Super Smink in the Belgravia Stakes (1200m).
Andrews is confident if A Lot Of Good Men gets the luck required he will play a prominent role in the Fairetha Stakes on the weekend.
“The plan was to go third up in the Fairetha and fourth up in the WA Guineas,” Andrews said on Tabradio.
“His runs have been really good; he’s drawn nicely again and should get a good run from there.
“1400m and the mile are right up his alley, his ticking over good and if gets luck on Saturday he’ll run well.
“He galloped really good on Tuesday and feeling pretty bright; he’s in a good place I feel.”
A Lot Of Good Men has drawn barrier four with regular rider, Paul Harvey booked for the mount.
Andrews said from his gate position A Lot Of Good Men will be handily placed in running.
“He should ideally box seat,” Andrews said.
“Paul (Harvey) thought last start if he could have been off the fence a little bit he would have finished right in the money.
“Certainly, stepping up to 1400m he should be up on the speed, that’s the plan anyhow.”
A Lot Of Good Men and Pleasure Cruise currently share $4.80 favouritism with online bookmakers for Saturday’s feature.
Rope Them In is next at $5.50, Zipaway $6, Investment Strategy $8.50 and Shooting Spirit $9.50.
Andrews prepared Vain Crusader and Manjar to win the Fairetha Stakes in 2006-2005.
Harvey’s recorded five victories including Vain Crusader and Manjar, his other wins were Hoegaarden (2010), Waratah’s Secret (2009) and Laetare (2003).