Signora Cabello to Try Group 1 Company in Prix Morny

Trainer John Quinn is relishing the opportunity to test his star filly Signora Cabello at the group 1 level as the Royal Ascot winner is among 13 runners heading to Deauville for the Aug. 19 Prix Morny.

The 2-year-old was a narrow winner of the Queen Mary Stakes (G2) at the Royal Meeting in June, before striking again at group 2 level in the Prix Robert Papin at Maisons-Laffitte.

Quinn, who won the Morny with The Wow Signal in 2014, said: "I'm pleased with her. She will need to step up to win, but she warrants her place and we think the six furlongs will hold no fears. She's only ever run on quick ground so it is a bit of an unknown. Some of her family needed it, that's not to say she does, as long as it isn't too soft I wouldn't be too worried.

"It's an exciting time, she's in good form and we're very much looking forward to it."

Sexy Metro was only beaten a neck by Signora Cabello when they clashed at Maisons-Laffitte, and his connections are hopeful they can reverse the placings on softer ground.

Bruno Barbereau, racing manager to owner Gérard Augustin Normand, said: "The horse is in great form and I just hope we get some rain. We couldn't be happier with him and the extra 100 meters (half a furlong) shouldn't be a problem. The filly who beat us in the Papin (Signora Cabello) sets the standard but on soft ground I'd be pretty confident."

They will face the Michael Bell-trained Pretty Pollyana, who is the highest rated 2-year-old filly in training following her highly impressive seven-length win in the Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes (G2) last month.

Karl Burke won the race with Unfortunately last season, and the Yorkshire trainer is triple handed in Deauville with True Mason, Comedy and Little Kim.

Rhododendron Could Blossom in Prix Jean Romanet

Aidan O'Brien's most recent taste of group 1 glory came in France with Kew Gardens winning the Grand Prix de Paris last month, and he is double-handed in the about 1 1/4-mile race for females Sunday, the Prix Jean Romanet (G1).

Rhododendron, unplaced in the Queen Anne (G1) and Nassau in her last two starts, will try to snap a stretch that has seen British horses win the past four runnings of this contest.

This year just two runners from Britain line up in the group 1. The William Haggas-trained Urban Fox hopes to add a second top-level win following her Pretty Polly score at the Curragh and Wilamina, a group 3 winner on Derby Day, runs for Martyn Meade.

The race favorite may be Bateel, last year's European champion mare at 11-14 furlongs. The 6-year-old daughter of Dubawi will be making her first start since a season-opening win in the Prix Corrida (G2) May 21.