Francesco will appreciate the drop back in grade when lining up in the Schweppes Australia Benchmark 67 Handicap (1600m) at Gosford today.
The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained runner goes up to the mile for the first time having run well for sixth behind Moher at Rosehill last start and he gets in well today with the 3kg claim for apprentice jockey.
From barrier 3 would expect Francesco to settle just off the speed and having had a long break leading into this campaign he should be ready to fire third up.
Certainly looks to have ability and he is racing much better than his career record suggests and in this company looks the one they have to beat.
Francesco’s last start effort rates well against his rivals on weight adjusted ratings and he looks very well placed to return to the winners circle.
Moroccan Ruby has been very consistent in recent times beaten just over a length in her last two outings.
Possesses a very good career record and would expect her to appreciate the step up to the mile today.
Likely to get a nice run behind the leaders from the inside draw and if she can run up to her best form she looks a very big danger today.
Brenton Avdulla goes back on board who is striking at 20% for the Bjorn Baker stable of late and she must be respected based on what she has produced in recent times.
Quartermaster produced a very good effort to win at this C/D two runs back before hitting the line strongly for a third in the Gunnedah Cup last time out.
Possesses a very good record at the course and over the trip and gets a much needed 2kg claim from apprentice jockey today.
Looks to have really hit some good form over the mile in his last couple of outings and would expect the Paul Perry runner to be right in the finish again.
Mr Smart also comes out of the Gunnedah Cup when coming from back in the field to finish fifth off a solid effort at Canterbury two back.
Likely to get back in the run again today from barrier 5 and despite being up in the weights gets a much needed 2kg claim from Andrew Adkins.
Form has been solid enough in tougher company throughout his career and he is certainly an each way hope in this.
Me Mongo rounds out the main chances despite a modest effort at this C/D last time out.
Did not have a great deal of luck on that occasion however and having won at the C/D previously would not be surprised to see him somewhere in the mix down in the weights.
Good Luck!
