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.

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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.

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