Jubilee coronation awaits Hannon’s ace

10:10am Thursday 15th May 2008

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ASSERTIVE lived up to his name when winning the Duke of York Hearthstead Homes Stakes at York Racecourse.

On a blank opening day to the new season for North Yorkshire trainers, Richard Hannon's five-year-old (15-2) took the initiative in the Group 2 six-furlong sprint but had to hold off a determined effort, inside the last few yards, from War Artist to claim the £100,000 contest.

Hannon was delighted with the performance and indicated the Golden Jubilee Stakes, at Royal Ascot, could be next.

"I would imagine he would probably go to the Golden Jubilee," he said. "He's tough. I would say he has preferences, in terms of ground, but he'll go on anything.

"He's run a super race there and he deserves to win a race like that. Hopefully he will go to Royal Ascot."

Frankie Dettori ignited Godolphin's spluttering season when he picked up the opening William Birch and Sons Construction Stakes on Folk Opera.

The Derby winning jockey made virtually all the running on the four-year-old and she had too much for Tastahil, who trailed in three-quarters of a length behind.

Dettori said: "Obviously she's a filly with potential and it is nice to get the first on the board for my team."

Fathsta proved too fast for his rivals in the Blue Square Premier Goes To Wembley Stakes.

The 12-1 shot, ridden by Richard Hughes, was fleet-footed and surged through a gap on his way to a two-length victory over Generous Thought with Meydan Princess in third.

Sledmere trainer Declan Carroll was delighted after Birkside (7-1) just did enough to take the Blue Square Kick for £100,000 at Wembley Stakes.

The five-year-old, ridden by David Allan, looked to have it won inside the final furlong but had to resist a furious fight-back from Prince Sabaah - taking the contest by the narrowest of margins.

Carroll, in his second season at Sledmere, said: "He's got a great constitution. He just keeps doing enough. He's in here on Friday and will run again if everything's okay.

"If he gets here, fit and well, he's obviously got to have a chance."

Masamah (3-1) took the Happy Birthday To Blue Square Prices Novice Stakes for jockey Richard Hills and Newmarket trainer Ed Dunlop, while in the final Stratford Place Breeds Black Type Winners Stakes, Collection won at 11-4 favourite for Yorkshire-born William Haggas.