Andrews banking on A Lot Of Good Men to deliver G1 honours again

Top trainer Trevor Andrews is delighted to be hunting for Group 1 glory in Saturday’s Northerly Stakes (1800m) and thinks he has a horse that can achieve it.

Trevor Andrews, who saddles up A Lot Of Good Men, triumphed in the Northerly Stakes once before with Modem (2005) and ran placings with Luckygray (2014) and King Saul (2012).

With seven wins from the past 13 years, three-year-olds have a good record in the Northerly Stakes and Andrews thinks A Lot Of Good Men is poised.

Ahead of his fifth run this preparation, the A Lot colt is searching for a breakthrough after finishing third in the Fairetha Stakes (1400m) and second in the WA Guineas (1600m) behind Zipaway.

“His last start was pretty pleasing,” Andrews said to The Races WA.

“We’re hoping the step up to 1800m is to his liking.

“We just need a favourable gate to put us in the ball game.

“I think he’s in good order, he’s been eating well and has a good sense of well-being.”

A Lot Of Good Men and Zipway, the only three-year-olds in the Northerly Stakes, carry 52kg.

Chris Parnham rides A Lot Of Good Men for the first time, replacing Paul Harvey, who can’t get down to 52kg.

Parnham’s brother, Steven, made the difficult decision to ride Zipaway over Railway Stakes victor, Bustler.

Andrews hopes A Lot Of Good Men’s low weight can help offset a lack of race experience against seasoned rivals.

“I know you are taking on a lot more season campaigners, but at 52kg, those better ones have to give him 7kg’s,” Andrews said.

“I think he’s coming into his own at the right time and I’m really pleased with him, we just need a few things to go our way.

“On the strength of his last start I’m confident he will run it out strongly.

“I won this race once before with Modem, so I’m overdue to win it again.”

Harvey could turn hero to villain for Andrews if he steers home interstate raider Forgot You in the Northerly Stakes.

Perth’s champion jockey for 12 seasons has been a constant companion of A Lot Of Good Men, riding the three-year-old in all of his 10 races to date.

Despite his absence on A Lot Of Good Men in the Northerly, Andrews said Harvey has been a key member of his build up to Saturday’s $1.5 million feature.

“I spoke to Chris pretty early in the piece when I thought I was going to the Northerly,” Andrews said.

“He was pretty keen and obviously Paul can’t make the weight.

“Paul has been confident this bloke can run a stronger mile and further.

“Paul has been an integral part of the horses preparation, but we are certainly happy to have Chris on board.”

The Northerly Stakes barrier draw will be conducted at Ascot this afternoon.

A Lot Of Good Men is currently $8.50 with Neds, sharing the second line with Alsephina.

Zaaki olds $2.45 favouritism with betting apps.