Simenon (leading)© Photo Healy Racing
Connections of talented dual-purpose performer Simenon believe tonight's Cantor Fitzgerald Investment Trusts Henry II Stakes at Sandown 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."
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."
Nicky Henderson feels Forgotten Voice should see out the trip much better than previous attempts now he is a much more relaxed character.
Although the 10-year-old, who has mixed it with the likes of The New One and My Tent Or Yours over hurdles, is the oldest runner in the race, the Seven Barrows trainer believes he still has a spring in his step at home.
Henderson said: "Forgotten Voice is in very good order and despite his advancing years he is still full of it, but it is hard find races for him.
"One thing he has done is that he has become more sensible now as he used to pull a bit, so I would hope he will see it out better, while he likes the good, fast ground.
"It is his first visit to Sandown, but he loves Ascot where they go right-handed and up and down the hill, so I can't think of any reason why he wouldn't like it."
Trip To Paris steps out of handicap company as he seeks to complete a four-timer and follow up victory in the Chester Cup.
Having secured victories at Lingfield and Ripon, the four-year-old continued his rapid rise when getting up late in the day to claim the extended two-and-a-quarter-mile contest earlier this month.
Speaking on his website, Dunlop said: "Trip To Paris will take his chance in the Henry II Stakes and this will give us an idea of where we stand for the rest of the summer. Graham Lee stays aboard with Clever Cookie not in the line-up."
