3 minute read

Ziggy's Phoenix makes a quick turnaround having raced last Sunday finishing fourth in Listed company at Chantilly in France. This afternoon the Richard Hannon trained two-year-old will be bidding for a third career victory at Beverley in one of the most historic races at the course of the year, the Hilary Needler Trophy over 5f.

Familiar to a quick turnaround, the filly dead-heated for fourth on debut at Kempton on the all-weather in April before returning to the racetrack eight days later winning at Ripon. She then won her second race landing the Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes at Chester's May festival on soft ground, the same class as today's Beverley event. The daughter of Kodiac was not disgraced last Sunday when fourth beaten four lengths in the Listed Prix la Fleche over 5f at Chantilly.

Owned by Middleham Park, the filly holds some notable entries later in the season at The Curragh in Ireland, Newbury, and York.

Middleham Park's Director of Racing, Tim Palin said:

"She got caught out on a wing and raced away from the rail in France, but she kept on well to the line.

"She is down in grade a notch to a level she's already been successful at and escapes a penalty.

"We're backing her up quite quickly, but she's got a decent draw (stall four) this time and we go there hopeful."