Septimus weight boost for O'Brien

Aidan O’Brien has been given more reason to aim Septimus at the Melbourne Cup after hearing that the five-year-old will not pick up a penalty for his runaway success in the Irish St Leger.

Unbeaten in his last four starts, the son of Sadler’s Wells powered away to score by 13 lengths at the weekend, but he will still carry the 58.5kg (9st 3lb) he was originally allotted.

News was not so good for O’Brien’s Doncaster Cup hero Honolulu, however, as he has been raised a kilogram to 54.kg for his decisive victory on Town Moor.

Chief Handicapper Greg Carpenter told Racing Victoria’s website: “While Septimus was visually very impressive on Saturday, given the level of opposition the performance does not warrant a penalty for the Melbourne Cup.

“The runner up, New Zealand, had won a maiden at Killarney at his previous run after being soundly beaten in maiden company at his two previous starts this season.

“The third Red Moloney was beaten 13 lengths in a Listed race at his previous outing and is yet to win a race at Group level.

“Honolulu was a dominant winner of the Doncaster Cup, one of England’s feature staying races, and his new weight recognises he has continued to improve from his three-year-old form.”