Septimus to reign for O'Brien in Melbourne

Rain in Melbourne is nothing new but the arrival of the wet stuff looks set to see Septimus take his place in the Melbourne Cup field and, should he do so, he can win the Group 1 contest for trainer Aidan O'Brien.

Connections of Septimus had threatened to withdraw the five-year-old, but watering at Flemington Park over the weekend plus the 2.8 millimetres of rain should placate connections.

Septimus will be carrying top weight, but he is capable of defying the burden.

Unbeaten in his last four races, Septimus, twice a winner on good to firm ground, is unbeaten at every attempt beyond further than one mile four furlongs and, arguably, put in a career-best performance when winning last year's Doncaster Cup over two miles and two furlongs.

Luca Cumani's Mad Rush should provide the sternest opposition after suffering an unlucky passage when fourth to All The Good in the Caulfield Cup. The four-year-old has had an ideal preparation and was full of running at the finish. Having top Australian Damien Oliver on board is also a plus.

Zipping, fourth 12 months ago, could prove best of the home side.