Septimus Shows Class in Lonsdale Cup

There will never be any questions regarding Septimus' stamina after the 4-year-old colt's convincing victory in the Weatherbys Insurance Lonsdale Cup (Eng-II) at York August 21.

The son of Sadler's Wells captured the two-mile marathon by a determined length over Balkan Knight.  With the win, Septimus gives Aidan O'Brien an even stronger hand for Cup races, since the Ballydoyle trainer also conditions Yeats and Scorpion.

Percussionist took the field along at a steady pace until Distinction assumed command with a mile left to go.  Septimus, who was traveling smoothly throughout the race, tracked the two leaders from third under Johnny Murtagh.

Murtagh moved Septimus to the front with two furlongs left in the contest.  The pair then withstood a strong challenge from Balkan Knight in the final furlong to win by a length.

Anna Pavlova was another length back in third.  Last year's winner, the popular Sergeant Cecil, was never a factor and finished fifth.

Final time for the extended two miles was 3:38.82.

Septimus, who captured the Dante Stakes (Eng-II) last year and finished a good second to Scorpion in the Coronation Cup (Eng-I) in his most recent start, may now have even bigger goals ahead.

Trainer Aidan O'Brien said after the race, “We gave him a break after the Coronation Cup (Eng-I) to keep him fresh for an autumn campaign.  He is a possible for the Melbourne Cup (Aus-I), along with Yeats and Scorpion.”