Roger Charlton has faith in 1000 Guineas hope Fair Eva

Fair Eva is 16-1 to win the QIPCO 1000 Guineas after her defeats in the second half of last season. Picture: FocusonRacing.com

Roger Charlton is optimistic that Fair Eva remains a leading contender for the QIPCO 1000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 7 – the second race in this year’s QIPCO British Champions Series.

The daughter of Frankel was at the head of the betting for the fillies’ Classic after an emphatic win in Group 3 company at Ascot on her second start in July, but then suffered odds-on reversals in both the Lowther and the Rockfel.

Despite those setbacks, Charlton believes Fair Eva, who is quoted between 8-1 and 16-1 for Classic glory, still has much to offer.

The Beckhampton trainer said on Wednesday: “Fair Eva has done very well and looks very well. She has grown a lot and put weight on. She is a bigger filly than this time last year.

“We will see how she goes in the spring, but hopefully she might be a Guineas filly.”

Charlton revealed fellow Frankel offspring Atty Persse is likely to be upped in trip when he makes his return to action.

The three-year-old made a big impression on his sole run last season, when he made a winning debut at Sandown in September, and was subsequently sold to Godolphin.

Charlton said: “Atty Persse has done well, but there are no obvious plans. He probably wants a mile and a quarter to begin with.”

Atty Persse is a general 40-1 to win the Investec Derby at Epsom on June 3.

Charlton enjoyed Champions Series success last year with dour stayer Quest For More, who will be back for more in 2017, starting with the Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan in late March.

“He probably won’t have a prep race and he will probably go straight for the Dubai Gold Cup,” Charlton said. “He looks extremely well and will probably have a couple of spins around Kempton. He will then travel out there the week before.”