Atty Persse Wins bet365 Esher Cup Handicap

Atty Persse underlined his star potential when overcoming trouble in running to maintain his unbeaten record with victory in the bet365 Esher Cup Handicap at Sandown.

With entries in both the Dante and the Derby, the three-year-old moved a step nearer to fulfilling those lofty engagements when running out a narrow winner of the mile prize.

After sustaining an early bump, the son of Frankel looked held approaching the final two furlongs having come under a drive from James Doyle, but as the gaps appeared late on, the 6-4 favourite stuck his head out to get up on the line and score by a short head.

Winning trainer Roger Charlton said: "It was a tough race. I think for a little horse he got bashed round the bend and squeezed out. I thought a furlong and a half out his price had slipped to 20-1. He battled and did it well. I don't know where he will go yet. I will talk to John Ferguson and see what he wants to do, they (Godolphin) do not buy horses to run in handicaps. If we can step him up in grade, something like the Dee Stakes might be a possibility."