The Godolphin-raced, Irish-bred stayer Francis Of Assisi followed his impressive Australian debut in winning the Bendigo Cup (Gr 3, 2400m) on 26 October with a most impressive victory here. William Buick settled him well in second place behind the free-going leader (Tom Melbourne) before going to the front on straightening. He then raced right away, running the 2600m out strongly, for an effortless win. The Mike Moroney-trained import Vengeur Masque raced back in third place, behind a solid tempo and kept battling on well in the straight, getting up in time to take a distant second. Tom Melbourne adopted his favoured role in front and ran along at a good pace, holding a clear break until reaching the home turn. He was overtaken at the 300m and then kept battling on to hold a distant third at the post.