Aidan O'Brien's chances of winning a third Vodafone Derby received another boost at York when Septimus threw his hat into Epsom ring with victory in the Totesport Dante Stakes.

In a race that looks increasingly short on potential stars beyond French favourite Visindar, O'Brien now has command of the ante-post market for the Derby beyond the market leader with Septimus, Horatio Nelson and Dylan Thomas clustered next in the betting.

Septimus, sent off the 13 to 8 favourite for this Group Two contest, staked his claim for Epsom by drawing eight-lengths clear of Best Alibi with Snoqualmie Boy 11 lengths further back in third.

Palace Episode made the early running but Godolphin's hope dropped tamely away in the straight and finished last.

Best Alibi led over five furlongs out but Septimus steadily got the better of the argument from the two-furlong pole. "He was very impressive," said Fallon. "I'm happy he's got this race under his belt and he deserves it. It's nice to see him do it in Derrick (Smith's) colours as well.

"This horse is very fluent so we could take him anywhere, being by Sadler's Wells.

"Sadler's Wells had a great record there (Epsom) and hopefully he could follow in his footsteps.

"I thought there was a good bunch of horses and it was a very competitive race. I've ridden Best Alibi before and the Godolphin horse and they are fair animals. But the way he went away from them there with his ears pricked, you'd have to be impressed.

"I feel there's more to come as well - especially on better ground."

Fallon was, however, not about to commit to which one of the O'Brien team he might ride in the big race itself.

"I have always really liked Dylan Thomas and I haven't ridden him or Horatio Nelson this season," he said.

"There's still a couple of weeks to go before I need to make my mind up and it's a good position to be in.

"Aidan's horses always improve, they seem to transform from one race to the next, and I hope it can continue.

"I think I would be letting Aidan make the decision for me because he doesn't get it wrong that often."

Septimus can be backed for the Derby at 6 to 1 with Cashmans, Paddy Power and Bet 365 and 7 to 1 with William Hill.

Bruce Raymond, representing Gainsborough Stud, the owners of the runner-up Best Alibi, also felt that quicker ground would have suited their colt and a decision will be taken over his possible participation in either the Epsom or Irish Derby in the coming days.

But there was no attempt to make any such excuses for Palace Episode, who became the latest flop for Godolphin in a bitterly-disappointing start to the 2006 campaign.

"He just wasn't up to it - it's as simple as that," said racing manager Simon Crisford.

"It was a proper test against good horses and he wasn't able to rise to the heights required. We will go back to the drawing board with him now and see if he can redeem himself in the future."