J D Hayes has commented that the promising stayer Simurgh is readily understood and will continue to compete across his various racing classes.
Having won three of his six career starts, including his most recent two races, Simurgh is set to aim for an extended winning streak in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Handicap (2400m) at Sandown this Saturday.
Simurgh, a four-year-old gelding imported from Ireland, joined the Lindsay Park stable operated by Ben, Will, and J D Hayes after registering one win and a minor placing from three starts in Ireland under Eddie and Patrick Harty.
Following his Australian debut where he finished second over 1600m at Pakenham, Simurgh has since secured victories over 2000m at Caulfield on May 9 and again on May 30.
In his last start, Simurgh raced in a forward position to defeat Skippers Canyon, an opponent he will face again on Saturday, and will carry an additional 3kg as a result of that win.
Ben Allen will take the saddle for Simurgh on Saturday, replacing Craig Williams, who rode the gelding in his past two winning performances.
J D Hayes stated that Simurgh is progressing well through the grades and appears to be a stayer with significant potential.
“We’re just taking him through his grades to boost his rating, but he’s got a great future ahead of him,” Hayes said. “Hopefully we can ever so slightly raise the bar again with him and hopefully he can go along with it.”
Hayes noted that the stable is uncertain about how far the gelding can progress this campaign, but they have not observed any signs of his training form deteriorating.
“He’ll tell us. He’s a very easy horse to pick in the mornings,” Hayes remarked.
A potential trip north to the Sunshine Coast for the Listed Caloundra Cup (2400m) on July 4 is being considered if Simurgh can win on Saturday.
“It will be a thought, but we need to get through Saturday first,” Hayes added. “He needs to win to see whether he can take a trip to the warmer weather.”
Simurgh is currently the top elect in the betting for Saturday’s race at $3.60, with Straand Deal, another lightly raced emerging stayer, at $3.90.
Consider checking out betting sites for the latest racing odds on Simurgh’s next start.
