Wootton Bassett ready to put Frankel and Dream Ahead in shade

The brilliant two-year-old beat Europe's best colts to win the prestigious Prix Vermaille at Longchamp last weekend, the first Group One race that Hanagan has won in his burgeoning 14-year career.

Wootton Bassett, named in honour of the Wiltshire town that has done so much to honour those UK service personnel who have been killed in Afghanistan, is unbeaten in five starts.

Yet, while next year's 2000 Guineas line-up is dominated by Henry Cecil's precocious Frankel and the brilliant Dream Ahead, who has forged an eye-catching partnership with William Buick, Hanagan believes Wootton Bassett is a genuine Classic contender who could beat the top two in the betting market.

"It was seven furlongs at Longchamp, and the Guineas is a mile. He'll definitely get the extra furlong," said Hanagan who was surprised that his horse was a 4-1 chance last weekend.

"His temperament is A1 – he's so straightforward – and he's on top of his game. He won't run again this season.

"I've waited 14 years for a Group One and I was delighted to do it on a horse trained by the boss (Richard Fahey). It's the highlight of my season – definitely."

The only downside was the text messages that Hanagan received from friends as he flew back from France informing him that his beloved Liverpool FC was losing at home to Blackpool. "I thought they were winding me up! Let's hope I can win the jockeys' title and give the fans something to cheer about."

Hanagan has 12 rides at York today and tomorrow before dashing to Wolverhampton's all-weather fixture.

His best chance of a winner, he says, is Alben Star in the opener at York today.