Melbourne Cup is on Simenon’s radar

The five-year-old gave Irish champion National Hunt trainer Willie Mullins his first Royal victory when claiming Tuesday’s two-and-a-half-mile Ascot Stakes and was even more impressive four days later in the Queen Alexandra Stakes.

The two victories enabled Ryan Moore to pip William Buick to become the meeting’s top jockey.

Mullins is eyeing a tilt at the Melbourne Cup further down the line, but is likely first to head to Glorious Goodwood. “He was very impressive and he seems a nice stayer,” said the trainer.

“He was dropped by the handicapper, so he is just going back up to where he was. I’d say with his age and maturity he’s just getting a bit stronger I think.

“The Melbourne Cup is at the back of our minds. I think we have a high enough rating now but we’d have to qualify by either winning a Listed race or being placed in a Group race, I believe.

“I think we’re aiming towards the Goodwood Cup. The only thing wrong with that is that it’s on Galway Hurdle day, but I think I might travel to Goodwood, as I’ve never been there.”