Mount Athos has underlined his credentials for a return trip to the Melbourne Cup with a tenacious victory in the Aston Park Stakes under Jamie Spencer.

Trained by Marco Botti, the Dr Marwan Koukash-owned Mount Athos was third to Fiorente in the 2013 Melbourne Cup after finishing fifth a year earlier.

At Newbury, Mount Athos prevailed by a length from Forgotten Voice, who also travelled to Australia last spring but failed to get into the Cup field.

Botti's wife and assistant, Lucia, said Melbourne was again the target after his win in the 2700m Listed race.

"He runs very well fresh, but I think the key is the ground as he doesn't want it too fast," she said.

"He is very straightforward at home, a pleasure to deal with and the long-term plan is Melbourne.

"He has a big heart and tries very hard and we haven't really got a plan beforehand except the Goodwood Cup."

The winner is at 25-1 with bookmaker RaceBets for the Melbourne Cup.