Holberg second in Cup lead-up

Melbourne Cup aspirant Holberg is still in the mix for a trip to Australia despite being beaten in a 2400m race at Kempton.Holberg made ground late to run second in the Group Three September Stakes on Saturday won by Laheeb.Both horses are likely to head to the Cumberland Lodge Stakes."The winner had already flown but we were very pleased," Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said."He could go for the Cumberland Lodge before we think about the Melbourne Cup."That was his first appearance sin

Melbourne Cup aspirant Holberg is still in the mix for a trip to Australia despite being beaten in a 2400m race at Kempton.

Holberg made ground late to run second in the Group Three September Stakes on Saturday won by Laheeb.

Both horses are likely to head to the Cumberland Lodge Stakes.

"The winner had already flown but we were very pleased," Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said.

"He could go for the Cumberland Lodge before we think about the Melbourne Cup.

"That was his first appearance since the beginning of July and we are looking forward to seeing him build on that run on his next start."

Holberg is a $61 chance in early betting for the Melbourne Cup, one of the few races on the world calendar to elude Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin operation.