Rose Of Lancaster return for Francis Of Assisi

Francis Of Assisi drops down to an extended 10 furlongs for his seasonal return in the G3 Rose Of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock Park, UK, on Saturday, August 12. 

The seven-year-old enjoyed a superb campaign in Australia for Charlie Appleby at the end of last year, easily winning both the 13-furlong G3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Flemington in November and the G3 Bendigo Cup over a furlong shorter at Bendigo in October. 

Francis Of Assisi, with Adam Kirby in the saddle, takes on 12 others including unbeaten three-year-old Laraaib and G3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes winner Autocratic. 

Charlie Appleby said: “Francis Of Assisi has been training well and I am looking forward to his first start of the year. 

“He is coming back in trip slightly but that shouldn’t be a concern, especially with ease in the ground. 

"He won over an easy mile and a half out in Australia and a stiff mile and a quarter should be fine.”