Although this is another significant step up, O’Neill is confident the John Fretwell-owned colt can now do himself justice at the highest level.

“He is probably the best horse in the race – he won a Group Two at Goodwood,” said O’Neill.

“We can stick him in behind, settle him and finish on him, which we did to a degree at Goodwood.

"He sat off the pace and came with his run.”

O’Neill expects the Aidan O’Brien-trained Ivan Denisovich to play a major role in the six-furlong event.

The Danehill colt was last seen on a racecourse when winning the Group Two July Stakes at Newmarket and is currently the 7-4 market leader with Paddy Power for Sunday’s event.

The Averham Park handler also believes unbeaten French filly New Girlfriend will go well, despite harbouring concerns about the quality of the two races she has won in France.

“Ivan Denisovich is obviously a very good horse and Robert Collet’s horse New Girlfriend is smart, but you have to question the French form,” O’Neill told At The Races.

“I don’t like to overrate juveniles too much but if he won on Sunday the obvious target would be the Dewhurst.

“He is very entitled to go there (to Deauville). He is in great form and goes there with a great chance.”

Collet reports New Girlfriend to be in top condition ahead of the race, but believes excessive rainfall would be detrimental to her chances.

The daughter of Diesis has won both her starts to date in convincing fashion, but has yet to be tested on anything other than good ground.

“New Girlfriend is perfect,” said the French trainer. “We are very happy with her.

“The one problem would be if there was lots of rain. It has rained today and it may rain tomorrow.

“I only hope the ground is not too soft.”

Mick Channon will be double-handed with Silca’s Sister and Puskas both taking their chances.

Puskas won at Newmarket in April before finishing third to Strike Up The Band in a Listed race a month later.

Silca’s Sister created a big impression when winning a Newbury maiden by three lengths on her second career start.

Rainfall at the French track has delighted Channon, who would not have declared Puskas had the ground been too firm.

“They’ve had some rain and they are both in good form so we are very hopeful,” said the West Ilsley trainer.

“Puskas will have wanted the rain. He wouldn’t have run if it hadn’t come but they’ve had a fair bit there today so that’s good.

“We think she (Silca’s Sister) is a pretty decent filly so we’ll see what happens but I also know Puskas is better than his last run.

“He came back with a terrible sore shin that day and I know he’s a fair bit better – especially if he gets a bit of give in the ground.”

Nero completes the O’Brien team for the race – won last year by Divine Proportions – while Mauralakana, a Group Three winner over course and distance on her debut, hopes to keep the Prix Morny on home shores.

“Everyone is talking about New Girlfriend but the other filly (Mauralakana) has done nothing wrong,” added Channon.

“She won a Group Three so I wouldn’t write her off. And what with Ivan Denisovich, it’s going to be a good race.”

Prix Morny betting:

Cashmans: 6-4 Ivan Denisovich, 5-2 New Girlfriend, 5-1 Mauralakana, 7-1 Always Hopeful, 8-1 Silca’s Sister, 16-1 Puskas, 100-1 Nero.

Paddy Power: 7-4 Ivan Denisovich, 9-4 New Girlfriend, 9-2 Mauralakana, 13-2 Always Hopeful, 7-1 Silca’s Sister, 16-1 Puskas, 66-1 Nero.