Strong Irish raid at Meydan Willie Mullins' globetrotting star Simenon makes his Dubai debut in the District One-sponsored Nad Al Sheba Trophy at Meydan today. Narrowly beaten by the Queen's Estimate in a thrilling Gold Cup at Royal Ascot last summer, the seven-year-old was carefully prepared for a tilt at the Melbourne Cup and ran with great credit in the Flemington showpiece to finish fourth. He was not beaten far in either the Japan Cup or the Hong Kong Vase at the end of his 2013 campaign and returns from a near three-month break in this weekend's Group Three contest over a mile and three-quarters. Mullins is targeting the Dubai Gold Cup on World Cup night at the end of March and warns his charge is not fully tuned up for this weekend's assignment. Mullins said: "He's had a break since his last race and we expect him to need this run on Saturday. "However, we are hoping the run will put him right for the big race at the end of March." Simenon will be partnered by Ryan Moore as he faces 15 opponents on the Meydan turf. John Oxx's Saddler's Rock and the Mick Halford-trained Certerach also represent Ireland, with Godolphin's Cavalryman and Marco Botti's Renew other major contenders.
