International raiders touch down as spring begins to take shape

THE annual international spring carnival invasion has clicked into overdrive with 19 horses now in residence at Werribee.

Emirates Stakes Day Race 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes 2600 metres won No 1 Francis of Assisi (in blue) just after the start of the race ridden by William Buick trained by Charlie Appleby Picture: Wayne Ludbey

THE annual international spring carnival invasion has clicked into overdrive with 19 horses now in residence at Werribee.

Four days after the lone arrival of Japan’s Admire Deus, the quarantine station barns are now largely occupied ahead of even more arrivals in two weeks.

The Godolphin quartet of Francis Of Assisi, Folkswood, Kidmenever and Qewy landed just after midnight at Tullamarine, while 14 more raiders touched down midmorning.

Included in the second batch were Aidan O’Brien’s Taj Mahal and Johannes Vermeer.

Red Cardinal, trained by Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Andreas Wohler and Kaspersky, who was ridden by Michelle Payne at Royal Ascot also arrived with Marmelo, winner of the Group 2 Prix Kergorlay.

Back again: Max Dynamite with travelling groom Rachel Robins during his 2015 Melbourne Cup campaign. Picture: Colleen Petch

Garcia, another of Wohler’s string, accompanied Red Cardinal.

Irish wizard Willie Mullins has returned with Wicklow Brave — and will send 2015 runner-up Max Dynamite in the next shipment. Mullins also has Riven Light at Werribee.

Hugo Palmer is represented by Wall Of Fire and Mask Of Time, while France’s Alain Couetil has sent Tiberian.

Newmarket’s William Haggas has OTI-owned Fastnet Tempest.

All horses will complete their mandatory quarantine period on October 14 and would be eligible to run at the Caulfield Guineas meeting, possibly in the Herbert Power Stakes.

Francis Of Assisi made quite an impression last year when he easily won the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Originally published as International raiders touch down as spring begins to take shape