Francis Of Assisi chases more Aussie dollars in Queen Elizabeth Stakes

English stayer Francis Of Assisi is chasing more Australian dollars when he lines up in the Group 3 $300,000 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Francis Of Assisi, above, is set to chase more Australian dollars in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Flemington. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

Francis Of Assisi, above, is set to chase more Australian dollars in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Flemington. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

Francis Of Assisi is one the Godolphin team trained by Charlie Appleby that has ventured to Victoria for the Melbourne Spring Carnival and produced a terrific performance to score a three lengths win in the Group 3 $300,000 Jayco Bendigo Cup (2400m) at Bendigo on October 26.

Appleby has reported that Francis Of Assisi has pulled up well after his impressive Bendigo Cup win and expects him to be in the prizemoney again.

“He hasn’t put a foot wrong since winning at Bendigo,” Appleby said.

“He’s come out of his race very well.”

“That was a very impressive effort win and he should give a good account of himself.”

Francis Of Assisi has drawn barrier five in the ten horse Queen Elizabeth Stakes field and will carry the equal top weight of 58kg with English jockey William Buick in the saddle.

Francis Of Assisi is on the second line of betting for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at $3.50 with Ladbrokes.com.au behind the Lee and Anthony Freedman trained front runner Tom Melbourne at $2.50.

De Little Engine at $6.50 and Irish stayer Vengeur Masque at $8.50 are the only other runners under the $10 mark.

Appleby has had tremendous success with his visiting team and was able qualify Qewy and Oceanographer to run in the Group 1 $6m Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington last Tuesday.

Qewy led all of the way to win the Group 3 $300,000 Geelong Cup (2400m) at Geelong on October 19 before running a terrific race to finish fourth to Almandin in the Melbourne Cup.

Oceanographer gained a start in the Melbourne Cup after a last to first win in the Group 3 $300,000 Lexus Stakes (2500m) at Flemington last Saturday but that run took it out of the five year old who was always well back in the field before winding up in twelfth position on Tuesday.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.