Races

Andrews says Private Dancer Deserves Guineas Shot

Perth trainer Trevor Andrews says Private Dancer has emerged from last week’s narrow loss in fine order, paving the way for her tilt at Saturday’s Group 2 WA Guineas (1600m) at Ascot.

Andrews believes his Oratorio filly is up for the challenge and expressed no concerns about backing her up after a brave second to Art Series in the Group 3 Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m).

Andrews said Private Dancer’s effort to fight hard and only go down by a nose in the Champion Fillies Stakes after a difficult wide run confirmed his horse was up to stakes company.

While conceding she faces an acid test against the best of the boys including boom colt and current favourite, Money Maher, Andrews says there is further improvement in Private Dancer.

“She has always shown us plenty and appears to be a filly with a great aerobic capacity who will obviously go over more ground,” Andrews told TABradio.

“Probably the only thing against her on Saturday was 18 days between runs where all those other fillies had come off 10 days in the Burgess Queen Stakes.

“They were probably a little bit fitter and harder than my girl.

“But she is a cracking looking filly who did us proud.

“The run over the mile will top her off fitness wise.

“The mile is suitable for her and she should be better over further.

“She will have a break after the Guineas and then be set for an Oaks campaign.”

Private Dancer has drawn barrier 14 in the WA Guineas.  Brad Parnham retains the ride.

Money Maher ($4.40) and Perfect Jewel ($4.60) are battling for Guineas favouritism.

Art Series is on the third line ($6.50) with Arcadia Prince next at $9.

Private Dancer is $21.

Andrews is chasing his fourth WA Guineas after previous wins with King Saul (2011), Vain Crusader (2006) and The Right Money (2002).