As a three-time champion of the WA Guineas (1600m), top line trainer Trevor Andrews has a good handle on what it takes to win the Group 2 feature.
Trevor Andrews will have two bites of the cherry at winning his fourth WA Guineas on Saturday and despite what the market says he believes his charges pose credible threats.
Andrews will saddle up Street Band and King Hit in the peak race for three-year-olds and despite their big odds with Tabtouch, he plans to orchestrate an upset.
Classy Playing God colt September Born is the $2.35 favourite after stamping his credentials in the Fairetha Stakes over 1400m a fortnight ago.
On the second line is Storyville, who posted a sensational last-to-first victory against the girls in the Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m) a week back.
The top talents dominate the market and are the only runners in single figure odds with Street Band at $31 and King Hit currently a $41 hope.
Giving Andrews cause for optimism is Street Band’s low barrier draw, a positive after being unplaced in the Fairetha Stakes (1400m) and Belgravia Stakes (1200m).
Street Band jumps from barrier three for Jarrad Noske, who rode the son of Lucky Street in one of his two city wins when last in work in the winter.
Andrews says an improved barrier draw and stepping up in distance to the mile are key factors in Street Band causing an upset.
“He’s been luckless at his past few starts and we’ve just had to ride him cold,” Andrews said on Tabradio, when referring to Street Band’s barrier draw in those two races.
“His sectionals have been great and he’s really looking forward to the mile and should relish the distance.
“He’s in good order, his work has been good, so there are certainly no negatives.
“I’d like to think he’ll be three pairs back and races better that way, I think.
“It should be a competitive race, but I’m happy.”
King Hit led all the way to break maiden company at Northam and took a sit when making it back-to-back wins at Belmont.
Jockey Shaun O’Donnell sticks with the gelding, who exits from barrier seven.
Andrews has a slight leaning to Street Band, but says King Hit can’t be discounted on recent winning form.
“I’m probably leaning towards Street Band a bit more, but I wouldn’t be surprised if either of them won,” Andrews said.
“I think they’re worthy contenders and they go to a mile, a few of them won’t run it out as well as the others.
“I’m confident these two guys will and I wouldn’t be surprised if either of them won.”
The Right Money gave Andrews his maiden WA Guineas success before following up with Vain Crusader and King Saul.
Meanwhile, in the Carbine Club Of WA Stakes (1400m), Andrews is cautious about the return of All The Good Men.
The five-year-old suffered an untimely setback after his first-up third to Almighty Class a month ago.
“He copped a pretty severe virus and spiked an aggressive temperature,” Andrews said.
“I’ve had to nurse him back, but he got over it quickly and bounced back to health remarkably well.
“Missed a little bit of work, but I’m confident he’s caught up pretty well.
“I still think he’ll be really competitive with further improvement in him.”
