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.
