2013 Melbourne Cup runner Simenon completed a solid workout at the Werribee International Horse Centre this morning under watchful eye of Irish trainer Willie Mullins.
Mullins was back in Melbourne to put the final touches on Simenon in the countdown to the Group 1 $6m Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington o Tuesday.
Simenon worked over two laps of the Werribee course and after completing the first lap at half pace worked stronger over the second getting up three quarter pace over the final section.
The seven year old has come to Australia with strong Group form and even though he has raced over the hurdles, he has been placed at Group 1 level at Royal Ascot.
Simenon will have no trouble with 3200m of the Melbourne after finishing second to Estimate in the Group 1 £350,000 The Gold Cup (4000m) at Royal Ascot on June 20.
That second was followed up with a second to Ahzeemaah in the Group 2 £150,000 Weatherby’s Hamilton Insurance Lonsdale Cup (3300m) at York on August 23.
Mullins has given Simenon a feel of Australian racing, running third to Sea Moon in the Group 2 $220,000 Sportingbet Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) at Caulfield on October 12.
Simenon has been marked a $21 chance along with Brown Panther in the Melbourne Cup market order that has Fiorente and Mount Athos sharing the top spot at $7.50.
French mare Verema and Irish St Leger winner Voleuse De Coeurs are both at $12 in front of Caulfield Cup runner up Dandino and Sea Moon at $13.
The Clarry Connors trained Dear Demi was the big shortener from Derby Day firming in from $34 to $14 with a top Melbourne Cup trial when second to Side Glance in the Group 1 $1m Longines Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) at Flemington today.