TRAINER Trevor Andrews of West Swan says A Lot Of Good Men, who is entered in the Northerly Stakes (1800m) on Saturday has trained on really well since finishing second in the WA Guineas (1600m).

Since resuming in October after a spell, the son of A Lot and Cosmah Domination has improved every time he has raced but has also stepped up in distance each start as well, giving Andrews some confidence heading into the Northerly.

“When you are heading towards the Guineas you want them sort of peaking at that time so you don’t necessarily have them primed first up,’’ he said.

“You want them peaking but you can’t have them peaking first up and then expecting them to be running a strong mile four runs down the track so it’s about progressive improvement.

“Since the Guineas he’s continued to eat well, he’s continued to work well and he’s got a good sense of wellbeing, so that sort of tells you that he’s coping with everything as I’m stepping his work load up so I certainly think he’s improving yes.’’

A Lot Of Good Men and Zipaway, who beat him in the WA Guineas on Railway Stakes day, are the only two three-year-olds in the weight-for-age race at Ascot on Saturday so they will carry from 5kg to 7kg less than their older rivals.

“The three-year-olds meet those better more seasoned horses at weight-for-age.’’

Andrews is also happy about the colt drawing barrier eight and new jockey Chris Parnham.

“With 16 runners it’s nice to draw midway so the barrier is good.

“Chris is one of the best riders in Australia so certainly happy to have his services – obviously Paul Harvey can’t make the weight but Chris is a very good replacement.’’

Andrews said despite Zipaway drawing barrier 14 he was still one of the main challenges in the race.

“The other horse Zipaway, he’s drawn a bit awkwardly but he’s a very good horse, obviously the favourite Zaaki and the mare Alsephina.

“We’re happy to be involved and think we’ve got the horse to figure there in the finish somewhere.’’