Simenon is firmly on course for a third tilt at the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot after delighting trainer Willie Mullins on his return to action at Sandown.

The seven-year-old was beaten just a neck by the Queen's Estimate in the two-and-a-half-mile Group One two years ago and ran another creditable race when passing the post fifth, later promoted to fourth, last year.

Simenon was sidelined by injury after winning over hurdles at Tipperary last July, but ran a race full of promise on his first start since when a close fifth in the Henry II Stakes.

Mullins said: "I'm very happy with him and we're just concentrating on getting him ready for the Gold Cup now.

"Dry ground would be suitable for him."

Simenon, who won twice in a week at Royal Ascot three years ago, is set to be part of a small but select team for the dominant National Hunt trainer at this season's showpiece meeting, which will also include Wicklow Brave.

The six-year-old was a brilliant winner of the County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and having won twice on the Flat since, he will bid to provide Mullins with a third win in the last four runnings of the Queen Alexandra Stakes following the triumphs of Simenon in 2012 and Pique Sous last season.

"Wicklow Brave is in good form and he will probably run there on the Saturday," said Mullins.

" Clondaw Warrior will probably go for the two-and-a-half-mile handicap on the first day (Ascot Stakes)."