Simurgh's winning form to be tested at Sandown

Trainer J D Hayes has noted that the emerging stayer Simurgh is an uncomplicated horse and is expected to continue progressing through his racing classes.

With three wins from six career starts, including a consecutive pair of victories, Simurgh is slated to attempt an extension of his winning streak in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Handicap, a 2400m event at Sandown this Saturday.

Simurgh, an Irish-bred four-year-old, was transferred to the Lindsay Park stable of Ben, Will, and J D Hayes after an initial campaign in Ireland under Eddie and Patrick Harty yielded one win and a minor placing from three outings.

Following his Australian debut where he finished second over 1600m at Pakenham, Simurgh has since achieved victories at Caulfield over 2000m on May 9 and again on May 30.

In his most recent outing, Simurgh contested handy to the pace, ultimately defeating Skippers Canyon, who will be a rival again on Saturday. He carries an increased weight of 3kg for this latest win.

The riding duties on Saturday will be handled by Ben Allen, taking over from Craig Williams, who guided the gelding to his past two triumphs.

J D Hayes commented on the horse's development, stating that Simurgh is advancing well through the grades and displays promise as a stayer.

"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 mentioned that the stable is uncertain about the ultimate distance capabilities of the gelding this season, but they have observed no decline in his training performance.

"He'll tell us. He's a very easy horse to pick in the mornings," Hayes added.

Consideration is being given to a northward journey to the Sunshine Coast for the Listed Caloundra Cup (2400m) on July 4, contingent on Simurgh's performance on Saturday.

"It will be a thought, but we need to get through Saturday first," Hayes explained. "He needs to win to see whether he can take a trip to the warmer weather."

Simurgh currently leads the market for Saturday's race as the $3.60 favourite, with Straand Deal, another lightly raced emerging stayer, priced at $3.90.

Those interested in the racing betting markets might find the odds for Simurgh appealing at leading online bookmakers.