Simenon set for Australian debut Simenon could attempt to book himself a spot in the Emirates Melbourne Cup at Caulfield on Saturday. The Willie Mullins trained six year old was shipped to Australia despite being far from certain to make the cut for the Flemington showpiece. Simenon has reportedly settled in well and he has been entered for the Group Two Sportingbet Herbert Power Stakes over a mile and a half on Saturday as he looks to pick up a penalty to guarantee his place in the Cup field. Saturday's heat promises to be a warm affair as the contest offers the final ballot exempt position into the following week's BMW Caulfield Cup. After losing the Bart Cummings at Flemington on protest last Saturday, Sea Moon (formerly with Sir Michael Stoute) heads the list of 17 entries which also includes Macedon Lodge stable mates Tanby, Massiyn and Hartani. Ed Walker's Ruscello could also take his chance although owners OTI Racing have been disappointed with his progress. The four year old won four of his first 10 starts but hasn't won in six runs for OTI. "He didn't progress as we would have liked during the northern [hemisphere] racing season. He was always coming out here but we hoped he would be coming in better form," Simon O'Donnell told www.theage.com.au. The feature on Saturday's card is the Group One Cathay Pacific Caulfield Stakes over 10 furlongs. The 14 entries are headed by five time Group One winner It's A Dundeel and Cox Plate favourite Atlantic Jewel.
