Coronation Cup second shows staying ability

Aidan O'Brien's Septimus (Sadler's Wells - Caladira, by Darshaan) justified 5-4 favouritism when winning the Group Two Weatherby's Insurance Lonsdale Cup over two miles on the first day of York's Ebor festival.

Nine went to post and were led from the off by Percussioniust, who set a very moderate tempo until Distinction, second in the Gold Cup here two seasons ago, took the lead in the back straight. He lengthened in the straight, but Septimus tracked him with Johnny Murtagh taking a strong hold.

Septimus took the lead a furlong out, but had to repel strong challenges from David Elsworth's Balkan Knight and Richard Fahey's Anna Pavlova in the final furlong, but first run and perhaps no little class saw him home a length to the good.

This was Septimus' first start over two miles. He won the Dante last year before disappointing in the Derby. This season he has put in fine efforts, winning the Group Three Mooresbridge Stakes before finishing second to Scorpion in the Coronation Cup. His success over today's trip gives Aidan O'Brien, who has Gold Cup winner Yeats in his yard, a strong hand in Cup races.

Lucarno in St Leger picture after Voltigeur win

George Strawbridge's homebred Lucarno (Dynaformer - Vignette, by Diesis) won the Group Two Great Voltigeur Stakes, a St Leger trial, over 1m 4f, travelling strongly behind Queen's Vase winner Mahler and lengthening well a length and half out to go on and win with something in hand.

Aidan O'Brien's Yellowstone, the Gordon Stakes winner, was second, having looked to be going as well as the winner before having to be switched wide a furlong out - he never looked like getting o the winner despite this.

The Derby fourth, a big strapping horse, was not stopping at the end of the race and looks a strong candicate for the final Classic, for which he is a 7-1 chance behind Aqaleem and Soldier Of Fortune, neither of which are certain runners. Trainer John Gosden will make a decision about Lucarno's particiaption after discsuuon with the owner.