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Utmost Respect - took the Duke Of York.

Utmost Respect allayed fears about the fast ground as he finished powerfully under Paul Hanagan to take the Duke Of York Blue Square Stakes.

Richard Fahey's charge was sent off at 16-1 for this his seasonal reappearance and he was being pushed along well over a furlong out.

Market-leader Tax Free appeared to be the likely winner as he held a narrow advantage late on, but Utmost Respect kept responding to his rider's urgings and got up to score by three-quarters of a length.

King's Apostle narrowly edged out Tax Free to fill the runner-up spot.

Fahey said: "I was very worried about the ground but I took a chance and got away with it and he was in very good order.

"The ground is beautiful out there and they have done a good job but he has ran on heavy ground three times and absolutely trotted up - he is just better on it than the other horses.

"I think to be a Group One horse he has to be on heavy ground, albeit today was a good performance.

"I was critical of the ground at Royal Ascot last year as it was very firm but I went to Ascot the other day to have a walk and it was beautiful ground so if it turns up like that, I might think about the Golden Jubilee.

"I always felt as he got stronger, seven furlongs wouldn't be beyond him either."

Hanagan added: "He just got away with the ground as he got quite unbalanced. It's been a great start to the season and it's nice to get a big one on the board."

William Haggas saddled the runner-up and said: "That was a commendable run with a penalty, and he is set for a good year.

"He is less buzzy then he was and has taken it all in his stride.

"He will head to Royal Ascot now, where he won't have a penalty, and we have nothing to lose having a shot at the Golden Jubilee."

David Nicholls said of Tax Free: "I thought he might win and he is a good horse.

"I am pleased with him and will take that on the chin.

"He has won over seven furlongs so the trip doesn't bother him and we will head to Royal Ascot."