Aussie debut set to test stayer Simenon over the 2400m

IRISH trainer Willie Mullins is satisfied with Simenon ahead of Saturday’s Herbert Power Stakes — but holds no great expectations over the 2400m trip.

Aaron Madden puts international galloper Simenon goes through is paces at Werribee this morning. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

REGARDLESS of Simenon’s performance in the SportingbetHerbert Power Stakes at Caulfield today, trainer Willie Mullins believes the Irish stayer marathoneris on track for the Emirates Melbourne Cup.

Renowned for his endlessstamina, Simenon has not contested a race shorter than 2800m at his past 20 starts, while posting two wins at 4000m or further.

Mullins, who watched Simenon canter 4800m at Werribee yesterday, has only low expectations today.

“I’m not expecting anything,” he said. “I don’t know what the opposition is like. I just hope he runs a good race.

“I don’t know what he’s going to do with the fast early pace. He’s got a good draw, which is good, and after that I’m just waiting to see what’s going to happen.

“I like the fact this race gives me a lot more time to look at what happens, look at the way we’re training him here.

“We would never train on grass at home and we’ll be able to put a lot of things together with whatever the result is.”

Simenon ($5.50) is TAB Sportsbet’s third favourite for the Herbert Power behind Sea Moon ($3.40) and Kesampour ($3.80).

Asked about Simenon’s daily ritual of long, slow work, Mullins replied: “I’m wondering if he’s doing enough. We do a fair bit, but that’s his normal routine at home and the track would take a lot more giving than that surface would.

“I’m expecting whatever he does tomorrow, he’ll run a much bigger race if we get into the Melbourne Cup.

“I’m very happy with the horse, very happy with how he’s going through quarantine.

“All is going well. We haven’t run him over this trip. I think it will be a good introduction to Australian racing for him.”

Despite Mullins’s conservatism, others among the international brigade at Werribee believe the gelding can figure today. Winless since June, 2012, last year, Simenon has returned to form after two hurdle starts — a neck second to Estimate in the Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup and a head second to Ahzeemah in the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup at York in August.

French galloper Trevieres pleased handler Stephanie Nigge ahead of a Group 1 David Jones Toorak Handicap (1600m) tilt.