Simenon leading at York© Photo Healy Racing
Connections of talented dual-purpose performer Simenon believe the Cantor Fitzgerald Investment Trusts Henry II Stakes at Sandown on Thursday represents an ideal starting point ahead of another tilt at the Ascot Gold Cup.
The Willie Mullins-trained eight-year-old takes in the Group Three two-mile contest on his first start since recovering from a stress fracture sustained after winning a Grade Three hurdle at Tipperary in July.
Despite the lengthy absence, Mullins' son and assistant, Patrick, feels the gelding, who finished fourth in last year's Gold Cup behind Leading Light, is ready to go again.
He said: "He's ready to start off his campaign. He did a nice bit of work in the Curragh on Saturday and we're happy with him.
"This looks a good starting point for him ahead of another crack at the Ascot Gold Cup, all being well.
"Ascot is not that far away and he's as ready as he can be without having had a run.
"He had a stress fracture after he won the hurdle race in Tipperary, but we've had no complications since and it will be good to get him going again."
James Fanshawe will make a late decision over the participation of last year's runner-up High Jinx.
The seven-year-old, who will be giving away at least 6lb to each of his rivals, has already had an outing this season after finishing fourth behind Alex My Boy at Longchamp.
Fanshawe said: "High Jinx has been declared for the race and will be going down there, but we will walk it beforehand to see what it is like, as he won't want the ground quick. Although he ran in the race last year, it was much softer.
"His run in France was perfectly OK for a first run of the year. He is not a horse that tells you a lot at home, a bit like me he keeps you guessing but he looks well and seems bright."
Hughie Morrison is hoping Vent De Force can build on his comeback second in the Sagaro Stakes at Ascot last month and start to establish himself as a star of the staying ranks.
Morrison said: "I was pleased with his run at Ascot as he was fitter than I expected him to be as he is a hard horse to get fit.
"He is a horse with a big engine but is very lazy at home so it is difficult to gauge where you are with him. He won't be overcooked as the Ascot Gold Cup is the target.
"We thought he would make a nice staying handicapper, but so far he has gone one grade better than that."
Forever Now will not fail through a lack of race fitness, with the John Gosden-trained runner already boasting two starts to date this campaign. After finishing third on his return in the Further Flight Stakes at Nottingham, the four-year-old filled the same position in behind Vent De Force last time out.
Hugo Lascelles, racing manager to owner Lady Bamford, said: "We know where we are with him. He's just a fun, staying horse. It's a decent race and we'll see if he's good enough to take part in a Gold Cup."
