Trainer Willie Mullins has confirmed he has entered Simenon for November’s Melbourne Cup as he prepares to try his hand in Australia.
The six-year-old hasn’t won any of his last eight races, including his three outings this year, but has shown good signs with back-to-back runner-up finishes recently.
Simenon ran well when being edged out by a neck by Estimate in the Ascot Gold Cup in June before being forced to play the bridesmaid to Ahzeemah in the Lonsdale Cup at York in August.
Mullins is hoping Simenon can transfer that form to the courses down under and has earmarked a run in the Melbourne Cup as his top target.
The gelding is by no means guaranteed a run out at Flemington later this year and as such Mullins plans to enter him for a couple of other events, including the Caulfield Cup.
He said: “He’s in quarantine at the moment. He did a nice bit of work the other day under Jack Madden and I’ll go and see him next week. I might bring Emmet Mullins over to ride him.
“He flies to Australia next week. He’s number 36 in the ballot and needs 12 to come out, but number 38 got in last year so we’re hopeful of getting a run.
“He’ll be entered in the Caulfield Cup and another handicap on October 12.”
While Simenon is being prepared for his long-haul trip to Australia, another Irish challenger has been ruled out of the Melbourne Cup.
Sun Central was poised to head down under this winter after he won Listed races at York and Chester but trainer William Haggas has been forced to cancel the trip due to a setback.
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