Appleby’s team of Aussie raiders ready to take flight

Clinton Payne - Thursday September 28

Godolphin's astute UK-based trainer Charlie Appleby could have as many as three runners in this year's Melbourne Cup as his team of four travellers prepare for their journey to Australia.

The impressive Francis Of Assisi winning the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Flemington last year. Photo: Darryl Sherer

Appleby's team consists of Melbourne Cup candidates Qewy, Francis Of Assisi and Kidmenever while Folkswood is being targeted at lesser races.

All four horses completed their final pieces of work in quarantine at Moulton Paddocks overnight.

"They look fit, well and ready to jump on the plane on Thursday afternoon," Appleby told the Godolphin website.

"Qewy, Francis Of Assisi, Folkswood and Kidmenever worked well on grass and I was very pleased with them all.

"The biggest challenge now is how they take the journey but they are leaving here in good order."

Appleby has proven a punters pal since he started targeting feature Australian races last spring. In total the trainer has had 13 runners for a return of six winners, one at Group I level, four in Group III races and also a Listed victory.

He also had the second placegetter in the Caulfield Cup while Qewy ran fourth in the Melbourne Cup.

Qewy and Francis Of Assisi won a pair of races each during the spring last year with Qewy's successes coming in the Geelong Cup and Sandown Cup while France Of Assisi claimed the Bendigo Cup and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Their two travelling companions this year Folkswood, finished second in two Group races - the Group I Jebel Hatta (1800m) in Dubai earlier this year and the Group III Earl Of Sefton Stakes (1800m) at Newmarket while Kidmenever placed in Listed grade in the UK in his last two starts over 2000m.

"We will probably look at having another crack at the Group III Geelong Cup with Qewy before going for the Group I Emirates Melbourne Cup again," Appleby said.

"Francis Of Assisi holds an entry in the Group I Caulfield Cup and he will also be entered in the Group II Herbert Power Stakes along with Kidmenever.

"We will look at the Caulfield Stakes for Folkswood, although he could go for the Listed Cranbourne Cup instead.

"Qewy and Francis Of Assisi are the two contenders for the Emirates Melbourne Cup as things stand. Kidmenever has to go and win beforehand if he is to get a racing weight for the big race."

Frances Of Assisi is a $26 chance for the Melbourne Cup with Kidmenever at $51 and Qewy at $67.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Trilogy Trio of Mares to be offered in Inglis Digital Standalone
 An Inglis Digital standalone sale featuring three quality Trilogy Racing fillies and mares in Nakoa, Miss Gaga and Zia will take place early next week and will generate huge interest ahead of the breeding season.
Te Akau Stars Return to Work
Te Akau Racing have had another stellar season and some of their stars that contributed to their success have returned to their Matamata barn to try and continue their dominance next term.
Tenth Winner for Tassort
Newgate Farm’s exciting young sire Tassort notched a tenth winner from 26 starters at Warwick Farm on Wednesday when the Emirates Park homebred gelding Mawjood returned from a spell to win a competitive maiden despite a tough run in transit.
Aussie Couple Secures SW Kiwi mare for Super Seth on Gavelhouse
An affinity with Waikato Stud stallion Super Seth prompted Phoenix Broodmare Farm’s Damian Gleeson and Deb Gifford to make a spur-of-the-moment purchase of stakes-winning mare Zecora on Gavelhouse.com this week.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday June 26
Here is the full list of 44 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Epaulette Filly Eternal Dominant on Debut
Dual Group 1 winner Epaulette set sail to Turkey in 2021, farewelling these shores with 51 foals from his final crop, which included the smart filly Eternal.
$380,000 Fabergino Tops June (Late) Sale
High-class sprinting mare Fabergino topped today’s Inglis Digital June (Late) Sale, selling to Perth businessman Frank Fiore for $380,000.
Emotions Run High as Diamond Diesel Captures the Civic Stakes
Midweek stakes racing at Warwick Farm with The Agency Civic Stakes (1400m) transferred from the washed-out Randwick meeting, proving the perfect spot for a maiden stakes success for the admirably consistent Diamond Diesel.
Second Win for the Brave Shalaa Filly Winning Proposal
The 2-year-old Shalaa (IRE) filly Winning Proposal brought up a 300-win milestone for trainer Kristen Buchanan when earning a second win in four starts in the Exceedance @ Vinery Stud Hcp (1100m) at Warwick Farm.
Go Racing Break $6million in Earnings
New Zealand syndicator Go Racing is enjoying a pleasing season and hit a major milestone earlier this month.