Your Guide to the Hilary Needler Trophy Fillies' Conditions Stakes

The Brian Yeardley Two Year Old Trophy Conditions Stakes (5f) & Hilary Needler Trophy Fillies' Conditions Stakes (5f).

These noted two-year-old races see some of the best juveniles head to Beverley in late May or early June. 

The Hilary Needler was first run in 1965, sponsored by Mrs Hilary Needler, who passed away in 2012. 

Read post: Beverley mourns death of Hilary Needler 

The race was awarded listed status in 2001 but down graded in 2011. 

Readers may remember these winners since 1988

1988 - Norther Line      - Mick Easterby 
1989 - Please Believe Me - Peter Easterby 
1990 - Furajet           - Alex Scott
1991 - Herora            - Neil Graham
1992 - Jervia            - Bill Watts 
1993 - Snipe Hall        - John Wharton 
1994 - Fajjoura          - Miss Gay Kelleway 
1995 - Top Cat           - E Weymes 
1996 - Dance Parade      - Paul Cole 
1997 - Filey Brigg       - W Kemp
1998 - Flanders          - Tim Easterby
1999 - Tara's Girl       - John Quinn
2000 - Freefourracing    - Brian Meehan 
2001 - Good Girl         - Tim Easterby 
2002 - On The Brink      - Tim Easterby 
2003 - Attraction        - Mark Johnston 
2004 - Miss Peggy        - Tim Easterby
2005 - Clair Hills       - Karl Burke
2006 - Roxan             - Kevin Ryan 
2007 - Loch Jipp         - J S Wainwright
2008 - Knavesmire        - Mel Brittain 
2009 - Don't Tell Mary   - Tom Dascombe 
2010 - Geesala           - Kevin Ryan 
2011 - Dozy              - Kevin Ryan 
2012 - Jadanna           - J G Given 
2013 - Ventura Mist      - Tim Easterby 
2014 - waterlogged 
2015 - Easton Angel      - Michael Dods
2016 - Grizzel           - Richard Hannon Jr
2017 - Chica La Habana   - Robert Cowell

The star performers being Attraction (2003) who went on to win the Newmarket 1000 Guineas. 

Related post: Mark Johnston trains new two-year-old sired by Frankel out of 1000 Guineas winner, Attraction

2018 - 3:15 Beverley (Saturday 9th June)

Thirteen two-year-olds take part on good going. The general mix of horses with ability and owners/trainers shooting for the stars. 

No Lippy is favourite. Three out of four wins. She has speed to burn but it definitely helps her at Musselburgh to be outpaced and run on. I wonder if they will try to sit just off the pace - rather than employ the front running tactics so often seen with Johnston's juveniles - because it may be in her favour. She seemed to come unstuck in the Listed race at York and if involved in a brutal pace may struggle to get home. 

Pearl Of Qatar was a surprise package on debut at Beverley when winning at odds of 25/1. Brian Ellison doesn't have too many juveniles in his care and they are often limited (give or take one or two). There was a lot to like about her debut with and interesting to see how she goes from a wide draw. 

This isn't a betting race for me. One horse which may have claims at a price is Gypsy Spirit. She may well be outclassed. However, she wasn't disgraced last time out when carrying a penalty and was much too keen mid race to finish with any purpose. Stepping back in distance may be a wise move and if finishing well could hit the frame. (I'm not betting). 

Others to respect include: Wedding Date, Kodyanna & Vikivaki. 

See a race preview of the 2019 Hilary Needler Trophy Stakes. 

Frankel Hopes Head to Newmarket 1000 Guineas

Our recent blog post showed 4 Frankel candidates entered for the 2000 Guineas. Now it's the turn of the fillies' Classic over one mile. 

So how many of Frankel's progeny are earmarked for 3:35 Newmarket on Sunday 6th May? 

Just a couple of contenders.

Contingent trained by Dermot Weld. This daughter of Frankel is out of a Group 1 winning mare who achieved a highest official rating of 112. Contingent made a winning debut at Leopardstown when racing over one mile on soft going. This 9/4f was backed from 3/1 and won in ''comfortable'' fashion. This bay filly isn't the betting for the 1000 Guineas but that may change nearer the race. However, she has been given as a possible entrant for the Epsom Investec Oak (1st June) and ante-post price of 25/1. In addition, the Darley Irish Oaks (Group 1) (fillies) is penciled in at the 5:45 Curragh 21st July 2018. 

The other hope is Veracious trained by Sir Michael Stoute. This daughter of Frankel is out of a Group 1 placed mare. Veracious finished third when 3/1f at Newbury back in September. However, she put in a fine display second start at Newmarket when the same odds, drawing clear of twelve-strong field to win by four ''easy'' lengths. This bay filly is owned by Cheveley Park Stud at presently priced 20/1 to win the Qipco 1000 Guineas. 

Take a look at the 1000 Guineas entries here.