'You couldn't back her after that first run but she's certainly got ability'

2.00 Beverley
Hilary Needler Trophy Fillies' Conditions Stakes | 5f | 2yo fillies | ITV/RTV

The Hillary Needler often determines whether Royal Ascot aspirations are misplaced or about to be realised. Could we see the Queen Mary or Albany winner in this race?

Recent trends would have you believe not. This conditions event, which lost its Listed status in 2010, hasn't seen a filly record the double since Attraction in 2003, even though 12 Hilary Needler heroines have tried since.

Nevertheless, it still rates as the initial target for some of the north's most highly regarded two-year-old fillies. Most notably are those owned by The Cool Silk Partnership, who won this race with debutante Chica La Habana in 2017 and Kodyanna in 2018, both of whom went on to finish down the field in the Queen Mary.

Couple that with two victories in the last five years in the Two Year Old Trophy later on the card and it is fair to assume that this meeting acts like a dress rehearsal for the shrewd operation.

Their Hilary Needler hopes this year are pinned to newcomer Jazzy Princess, a homebred daughter of 2016 Two Year Old Trophy and Norfolk winner Prince Of Lir. The precocious bloodline provides enthusiasm to envisage her scoring in this company first time up, but that is quelled by the fact that trainer Robert Cowell hasn't sent out a debut winner for 25 months.

Fellow newcomer Jilly Cooper also looks to follow the family trend as she is out of Jillnextdoor, who finished eighth in the 2012 Queen Mary.

Fillies that enter this race on the back of a successful debut have landed five of the last eight editions. For that statistic to be enhanced, Hester Prynne will have to come out on top for trainer David O'Meara, who has a notable 17 per cent strike-rate and +£12.63 level-stakes profit at the track.

The first winner sired by dual Group 1-scorer Mondialiste, Hester Prynne justified strong market support on debut over this course and distance despite looking inexperienced. Her pedigree indicates she will relish longer trips and she could be susceptible to a speedier type.

Pontefract winner May Blossom and Doncaster scorer Lucy Lulu look to bounce back after recent defeats and have drawn well, which can't be said about Lady Ayresome (stall 11).

Although she doesn't boast winning form, Kyber Crystal may be sent off as favourite. She drew clear with subsequent Listed National Stakes winner Ebro River on debut two weeks ago and clearly possesses plenty of natural zip.
Race analysis by Tom Collins

Kyber Crystal connections banking on Ebro River form

In terms of timely updates, the victory of Ebro River in Thursday's Listed National Stakes at Sandown must have swelled confidence considerably in the camp of the Adrian Keatley-trained Kyber Crystal.

The daughter of El Kabeir was nibbled at in the market when chasing home Ebro River on debut and connections believe the form could be further marked up.

Ebro River's National Stakes win on Thursday is a major form boost for Kyber CrystalCredit: Edward Whitaker

"I was at Doncaster when she debuted and we felt we were a bit unlucky the way Ebro River hung over towards her," said Niall O'Brien, syndicate manager for Kyber Crystal's owners, Ontoawinner. "He won well enough but as a filly first time out she was intimidated by him and if both of them had travelled in a straight line, we might have won.

"She's a nice filly and the form has been franked. She's drawn well and we'll be positive and work the line of the track there on the rail. She's a nice filly for the future."

What they say

David O'Meara, trainer of Hester Prynne and May Blossom
May Blossom didn't give her running at York last time and I'd hope she can bounce back to the form of her Pontefract victory. She's got a nice draw and ideally the ground will dry out a bit for her. Hester Prynne won nicely on debut there over the same trip when looking very tough to get up late on, and won't mind it if the ground is slow.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Kodias Sangarius
She's a very nice filly but for whatever reason didn't go a yard at Nottingham on her debut. She is much better than that and hopefully the soft ground will see her in a much better light. Obviously you couldn't back her off the back of that first run, but she's certainly got ability.

Adam Ryan, assistant trainer of Lady Ayresome
This race makes sense because her course and distance form is good. She appreciated the stiff five furlongs and we've always felt that a bit of juice in the ground might help her.

Roger Fell, trainer of Lucy Lulu
She tried hard at Catterick but I don't think she was a fan of the soft ground, so we’ll have to see what it's like at Beverley. I didn't think it was that hot a race so we've got to have a go, we've nothing to lose. If it were quicker ground I would be really happy.

Robert Cowell, trainer of Jazzy Princess
I think she's more of a flatter-track type and a stiff finish over five furlongs on soft ground might just find her out. That said, she should show up for a fair way.
Reporting by Scott Burton

Read more on Saturday's racing:

Quinn could be mighty at Haydock again thanks to Safe Voyage and El Astronaute (Members' Club)

Beverley is set to get racy as thrilled Jilly Cooper bids for debut triumph (Members' Club)

'He's not reached his ceiling' – Jason Weaver's leading Saturday fancy (Members' Club)

2.20 Haydock: 'There are no worries' – El Astronaute ready for launch again in Achilles Stakes

2.25 Punchestown: Willie Mullins holds strong claims with Bapaume and Bleu Berry

2.40 Chester: what is it about Boardman that impressed our handicappers so much?

2.55 Haydock: who will peak in the Pinnacle Stakes? Get the lowdown from Tom Collins

3.10 Beverley: 'He's quite a nice animal' – Tipperary Sunset bids to live up to tall reputation

3.30 Haydock: Keith Melrose assesses who could prove a seven-furlong star in John of Gaunt (Members' Club)

New Sky Bet customers can get £20 in free bets when they place a £5 bet. First single & EW bet only. Odds of 1-1 or greater. 2x £/10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets are non withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions. Full T&Cs here. 18+.