14 May. GB. Duke Of York Hearthstead Homes S. G2. York. 6f. Turf. 100.000 £
1.- ASSERTIVE (R.Moore)
2.- WAR ARTIST (K.McEvoy)
3.- BECKERMET (C.Catlin)


IF AT first you don't succeed, try, try again was the maxim employed by Assertive yesterday when he gained his first Group success at the 16th attempt in the Duke of York Stakes under a power-packed ride from Ryan Moore, writes Tony Elves.
Injury scuppered Moore's bid to land a second jockeys' championship last season, but his hunger is more apparent than ever.

He held a handy position towards the centre of the course on the Richard Hannon-trained winner as Beckermet took his group along at a good rattle from the start.
Moore made the decision to unleash the 15-2 shot over a furlong out and, having taken the initiative, he never looked like being pegged back by War Artist as he took the Hearthstead Homes-sponsored Group 2 by a neck and the same.

The winner had failed narrowly in the Abernant at Newmarket on his reappearance last month, but all roads now lead to Royal Ascot.

Assistant trainer Richard Hannon jnr said: "That first run was great, but he probably needed it and he will go for the Golden Jubilee.
"It is a great result for owner Lady Whent as she owns the stallion Bold Edge, and Assertive is tough and will go on any ground.
"He deserves to win a race like that and, hopefully, he will go to Royal Ascot and do the same."

The five-year-old was made 16-1 for the Group 1 at Royal Ascot by VCbet, Boylesports, William Hill and Coral. However, all of the firms were more impressed with the runner-up, who is as short as 12-1 with Coral.

War Artist's trainer James Eustace said: "Six furlongs at Ascot will suit him better and he goes for the Golden Jubilee. He handles fast ground really well and, with his 5lb penalty, it was a hell of run."