Richard Hughes shone as Dank (7-2 favourite) gained revenge for a recent Haydock defeat at the hooves of Ladys First (5-1) by taking the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Atalanta Stakes at Sandown.
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Only three-quarters of a length separated the pair at the Merseyside track and it was close again as they dominated the finish to this Group Three contest.
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Paul Hanagan aboard the eventual runner-up was in full flight entering the final furlong just as Hughes was unleashing the race-winning run down the centre of the track.
Dank was in front 50 yards from the past and the market leader beat her persistent rival by a neck.
The front-running Gathering (14-1) was a length further away in third.
Hughes said: "She's a nice filly. I'd have preferred it if they had gone a stride quicker, but she's done well to get there. She's in between a mile and a mile and a quarter filly."
Winning trainer Sir Michael Stoute added: "She's a lovely progressive filly and Hughesie gave her a great ride from what I considered to be a horrible draw. I'm really happy with her and she's got a great attitude."
Owner James Wigan said: "That was really wonderful and we'll just take things as they come, I'm sure Sir Michael will have an idea what to do next."