Simenon is set make his Australian debut in the Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.

Runner-up to Estimate in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot before being narrowly denied in the Lonsdale Cup at York in August, the Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old made the journey Down Under less than two weeks ago but is not yet being guaranteed a place in next month's Melbourne Cup.

Having settled into his new surroundings well, Simenon is now ready for a competitive start as he goes in search of the penalty that would earn him a starting berth in the Melbourne Cup.

"At the moment the plan is to run on Saturday. He travelled very well and we're happy with him," Mullins said.

Johnny Murtagh has been on board Simenon for his last two starts, but will not be riding in the Melbourne Cup as he is unable to do the weight.

Mullins has yet to nail down a rider for this weekend.

Asked whether he wanted to find a jockey who would be able to ride Simenon in both the Herbert Power Stakes and the Melbourne Cup, Mullins said: "That might be hard. It's not a must."