'They're two very good colts' - Karl Burke believes he has a strong hand in Prix Morny after declaring Shareholder and Arabie

Royal Ascot hero Shareholder and Whistlejacket will clash again in Sunday's Sumbe Prix Morny (2.50) at Deauville, and Karl Burke is relishing his Norfolk Stakes winner leading his two-strong assault on the Group 1.

The duo faced off for the first time at the royal meeting in June, when Shareholder prevailed in the 5f Group 2 with odds-on favourite Whistlejacket back in fourth.

Whistlejacket has since won the July Stakes, but bids to quickly bounce back from his Phoenix Stakes defeat last weekend for Ryan Moore and Aidan O'Brien.

Burke also saddles Arabie, who has won three of his four starts this year, including twice in Group company in France, and bids to provide the trainer with his second win in the Morny.

The North Yorkshire trainer saddled the first and second in the 2017 running won by Unfortunately, but he believes Arabie should not be discounted as a second-string.

"We managed to have Havana Grey finish second the year we won with it with Unfortunately and it'd sure be nice if we could pull the trick off again, especially as they're both two very good colts," he said.

"I think Arabie has been a bit underestimated. He's a proper tough horse and isn't flashy – he's never going to win you races by two or three lengths – and we know he loves racing in France too. He's in great form."

The Wathnan Racing-owned Shareholder has not been seen since his Royal Ascot exploits and steps up to 6f for the first time, with his Norfolk Stakes and Beverley debut successes in June coming over the minimum trip.

Burke added: "We gave Shareholder two to three weeks off after Royal Ascot and he was tough to do his winning so quickly. We hope he should stay the trip, but we'll be full of confidence in the race if he settles. 

"He beat Whistlejacket fair and square at Ascot. Maybe he's improved for being stepped up to six furlongs, but if we stay the trip then our lad is the one he has to beat again."

Britain and Ireland's strong team also includes shock Coventry Stakes winner Rashabar, who has his first run since that Royal Ascot victory, while Duchess of Cambridge Stakes heroine Arabian Dusk also takes her chance.

The home team is headed by Daylight, who stormed to success in the Group 3 Prix de Cabourg over the course and distance last time. Estepona, Polyvega and Epson Blue Cen complete the line-up.

A field of five will take part in the card's other Group 1, the Sumbe Prix Jean Romanet (1.33), as Mqse De Sevigne bids to win the race for the second year in a row.

The Andre Fabre-trained star landed her second Prix Rothschild success on her last start and faces a two-strong attack from Joseph O'Brien, who saddles American Sonja and Maxux.

Blue Rose Cen will bid to try and find her sparkle again, while Left Sea completes the field and will be ridden by Ryan Moore.

Prix Morny runners and riders

Arabie Jim Crowley
Whistlejacket Ryan Moore
Estepona Clement Lecoevre
Rashabar Sean Levey
Shareholder James Doyle
Arabian Dusk William Buick
Daylight Mickael Barzalona
Polyvega Alexis Pouchin
Epson Blue Cen Cristian Demuro

Prix Jean Romanet runners and riders

American Sonja Dylan Browne McMonagle
Maxux Mickael Barzalona
Mqse De Sevigne Alexis Pouchin
Left Sea Ryan Moore
Blue Rose Cen Cristian Demuro

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