Godolphin chasing another Country Cup win in Bendigo Cup

The powerful Godolphin stable is chasing another Victorian Country Cup win with English visitor Francis Of Assisi in the Group 3 $300,000 Jayco Bendigo Cup (2400m) at Bendigo on Wednesday.

Francis of Assisi, above, is one of the main changes in the Bendigo Cup. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

Francis of Assisi, above, is one of the main changes in the Bendigo Cup. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

The Charlie Appleby trained Francis Of Assisi has a chance to emulate the deeds of stablemate Qewy who led all of the way to win the Group 3 $300,000 Geelong Cup (2400m) at Geelong last Wednesday taking him to number twenty-five on the order of entry for the Group 1 $6m Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 1.

Francis Of Assisi mixes his flat racing with stints over the jumps and was last in the winner’s circle in October 2015 in winning a 3219m Hurdle race at Fakenham in England.

Appleby’s assistant trainer James Ferguson is looking after his Godolphin team of English visitors at the Werribee International Horse Centre and is very pleased with the way Francis Of Assisi has settled into his new surroundings.

“Francis Of Assisi is in really good order,” said Appleby’s assistant trainer James Ferguson.

“He’s fit, in peak condition and we think he’ll give a good account of himself.

“It looks a competitive race on paper but we expect him to run well.”

Geelong Cup winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy takes the ride on Francis Of Assisi who will jump from gate six.

Francis Of Assisi will be having his first run since finishing sixth over 2816m in the £100,000 Summer Stakes at Goodwood in English in July and is listed at $7 for the Bendigo Cup with Ladbrokes.com.au.

The Robert Hichmott trained English import Our Century is the current favourite at $2.40 ahead of South Australian Derby winner Howard Be Thy Name at $3.90 and the Danny O’Brien trained Second Bullet at $5.

Market order for the Bendigo Cup at Ladbrokes.com.au: $2.40 Our Century, $3.90 Howard Be Thy Name, $5 Second Bullet, $7 Francis Of Assisi, $12 Ferro Nero, Bring Something, $17 Go Dreaming, $41 Blizzard, $51 Desert Samurai.

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.