Melbourne Cup hope in action at Haydock Francis Of Assisi makes a rare appearance on a British racecourse when he runs in the Betfred Rose of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock on Saturday. Charlie Appleby's globetrotter won the Bendigo Cup and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in Australia last year, and is currently at the head of the betting for the Melbourne Cup in November. Bought out of Aidan O'Brien's yard to go hurdling by John Ferguson, he came up short against the best over timber and was transferred to Appleby, who has really found the key to the seven-year-old. "He's in good shape. He obviously had the spring off after his victories in Melbourne last year and he's currently joint-favourite for the Melbourne Cup," said Appleby. "He'll be making his way back down there. They start quarantine in the middle of September and we'll get a run into him before he goes on the plane - he's in great nick. "I couldn't be any happier with him and I'm looking forward to seeing him out and then he'll be on his travels." Appleby told Betfred TV: "He's not far off full fitness, to be fair. He's better going there fresher than too fit first time out. "He's fresh and well and looks in good shape." The one unbeaten runner in the Group Three contest is Laraaib, who beat Royal Ascot winner Atty Persse at Haydock in May and has since won at Ascot. "I was a bit worried at Ascot as they didn't go very quick and I thought it was going to turn into a bit of a sprint," said trainer Owen Burrows. "Dane (O'Neill) thought that as well, but there was the false rail and he was always going to get room up the straight when they turned in. "It took him 50 yards to hit top gear, but I was impressed with him. He is still big and raw, but we can't fault what he has done."
