Connections of top UK stayer Simenon are "committed" in their pursuit of the Emirates Melbourne Cup - even though the talented stayer is not yet guaranteed a place in the final line-up. The six-year-old gelding, runner-up in both the Ascot Gold Cup and the Lonsdale Cup at York this season, has been allotted 8st 6lb for the world's richest handicap at Flemington on November 5, reports attheraces.com.
Trainer Willie Mullins accepts Simenon's participation could be a closely-run thing.
He says: "We are committed to go, even though we are not guaranteed to get a run. We know it's probably a 50-50 chance, but the owners are keen, and the horse has been in quarantine in Newmarket. He's settled in great and he's been eating and drinking OK."
Simenon is likely to have a run before the Melbourne Cup. A victory could see him incur a penalty which may help him make the cut.
Mullins says: "We are looking at several options, but I would prefer it if the race was not too close to the Cup."