Caravaggio is in doubt for The Everest in Sydney after suffering his second defeat in his past two starts in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt, who started odds-on, could only manage sixth after a poor start in the race won by the Kevin Ryan-trained Brando on Sunday.

The winner, who finished third in the July Cup in which Caravaggio was fourth, will be aimed at the Sprint Cup at Haydock.

O'Brien indicated the race may have come too soon after the July Cup for Caravaggio and said he made need a break.

"Maybe I ran too close after Newmarket," O'Brien said.

Caravaggio is owned by Coolmore which has bought a slot in the $10 million Everest at Randwick on October 14.

Brando's victory was a boost for Ryan who had to shut his stable down in early June for a few weeks after one of his horses tested positive for Equine Herpes.

"It's a great day. We're delighted with the horse," Ryan said.

"He ran a good race in the July Cup and he'd tightened up since.

"He got a great ride and he was exceptional today.

"We'll look at Haydock (September 9) next."