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Sunday 2 June 2019

Brian Yeardley Two Year Old Trophy Conditions Stakes: History, Betting, Winners & Trends

Beverley has seen some exceptionally talented horses in its racing history which dates back to 1767. 

There must have been some outstanding two-year-olds which have started their careers or won significant races at this course. In this modern era, one filly which stands out in my mind. Think back to the 2003 Hilary Needler Trophy Conditions Stakes, trained by Mark Johnston. 

I'm sure many of you avid race fans will be shouting at me (not usually) that it is the beautiful, crooked-legged, Attraction, who went on to win the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket. What a racehorse, hey. So few horses defy the odds of greatest success but she did so with conformation that would have had most running for the hills (only not as fast as this daughter of Efisio). 

That must be the longest introduction to a race she didn't even compete! Sometimes, we need to let the mind wander to thoughts of yesteryear in this hectic world that wishes for us to travel at the speed of light. 


Jungle Inthebungle Wins The Brian Yeardley 2018


''Which race goes with the Hilary Needler Trophy?'' I know many are saying it's the Brian Yeardley Two Year Old Trophy Condition Stakes.   

How right you are...
The Last 16 Brian Yeardley Stakes Winners 

           2018 Jungle Inthebungle - Mick Channon   - 8/1
           2017 Cardsharp         - Mark Johnston  - 6/4f
          *2016 Prince Of Lir      - Robert Cowell  - 6/1  
           2015 First Selection    - Simon Crisford - 3/1
           2014 I'm The Won For U  - David Barron   - 11/4f
           2013 Langavat           - Richard Hannon - 5/4f
           2012 Bungle Inthejungle - Mick Channon   - 7/2 
           2011 Gabrial            - Richard Fahey  - 6/5f 
           2010 Boundless Spirit   - Bryan Smart    - 4/1 
           2009 Archer's Road      - Mick Channon   - 9/4f
           2008 Able Master        - Bryan Smart    - 11/10f
           2007 Fred's Lad         - Mick Easterby  - 3/1
           2006 Everymanforhimself - James Givens   - 7/1
           2005 Mytton's Pride     - Alan Baily     - 7/1
           2004 Bolton Hall        - Richard Fahey  - 10/1 
           2003 Great Scott        - Mark Johnston  - 1/1f 

* Won on debut    


Brian Yeardley Trends

Perhaps the most remarkable trend is that in the last 16 years no winner has been priced over 10/1. Six favourites prevailed, the biggest odds 11/4. One debutante made it first time lucky - Prince Of Lir. Trainer James Givens and owners The Cool Silk Partnership have won the Hilary Needler Trophy with a debutante [Chica La Habana] so it is their modus operandi. A number of very talented two-year-olds have won the Brian Yeardley before going on to win at Group class. 

Class Performers

2012 Bungle Inthejungle - trained by Mick Channon. This son of Exceed And Excel run 17 times and achieved four wins. Competing in the Brian Yeardley Stakes on his third starts, only five two-year-olds took part and Bungle Inthejungle stayed on strongly to win by three-and-three-quarter lengths. All successes came at two. He on the Molecomb Stakes (Group 3) by a head at odds of 14/1. Similarly, winning the Cornwallis Stakes (Group 3) by a head - beating Garswood - to conclude a great formative season. He raced seven times at three and once at four before retiring to stud with a stallion fee of 12,000 euros. 

2017 Cardsharp - trained by Mark Johnston. Probably the best thoroughbred to win this race. He won the Brian Yeardley on his fourth start, staying on well at odds of 6/4f to win by two-and-a-quarter lengths. A very good juvenile who won on debut, the Woodcote Stakes (after De Bruyne Horse was disqualified). Headed to Royal Ascot where he was placed in the Norfolk Stakes (Group 3). Perhaps his best success was winning the July Stakes (Group 2) at Newmarket. Cardsharp concluded his two-year-old season finishing fifth in the Darley Dewhurst Stakes (Group 1). Racing at the highest grade at three saw a season without a victory. Unplaced in the 2,000 Guineas. Two wins came at the age of four. However, these were in handicaps. Cardsharp concluded his racing career with a comfortable win at York.   

3:15 Beverley (Saturday)

As always, it's a small field of just six two-year-old, and familiar trainers who target this race. All horses have racecourse experience and a competitive heat. 

1) 12  -  Oh Purple Reign - Richard Hannon -  9/4 
2) 1   -  Dream Show      - James Tate     -  4/1
3) 3   -  Summer Sands    - Richard Fahey  -  4/1
4) 12  -  Xcelente        - Mark Johnston  -  5/1
5) 2   -  Cool Sphere     - Robert Cowell  -  8/1 
6) 122 -  Rodnee Tee      - David O'Meara  - 10/1