two listed races this evening

This evening´s two flat meetings offer better than average sport and both Beverley and Leopardstown (Ireland) have a listed race as their main event. At Beverley it is the Hilary Needler Trophy over 5 furlongs for 2yo fillies at 20.35 CET, a race often contested by subsequent Royal Ascot performers. It looks a very open event, with 14 runners, 11 of whom have already won. Best on form could be Alan Bailey´s Aspen Darling (Paul Hanagan), but her draw (5) is not ideal, and possibly White Shift (David Evans/Stephen Donohoe) can reverse the form from a better draw (10). However the one to beat is Paul Cole´s speedy Percolator (Nelson de Souza), who has made all to win her last two aces and has the best draw of all (14). Irish raiders are seldom seen here, so Ger Lyons´ Ohiyesa (Shane Kelly) must be respected, but she has alrrady won over 6 furlongs and may find this trip too sharp. Half an hour later, Henry Candy´s very fast Corrybrough (Ryan Moore) should win the 5 furlongs race for 3yo´s; he looked like a group race prospect when winning with great ease last time at Sandown. At Leopardstown, the main feature is the Saval Beg Stakes over 1 3/4 miles at 20.30, a race often used as a stepping stone to the Gold Cup, as for example last year when Yeats won by 6 lengths from Mutakarrim (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen). Mutakarrim, who has been runner-up now three times in this, tries again, but at 11 years of age is not getting any younger. Red Moloney (Kevin Prendergast/ Declan McDonogh), only 3/4 length behind Yeats last time at Naas, is the more likely winner, although Ezima (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning) and Hasanka (John Oxx/ Mick Kinane) also look dangerous. There is also racing this evening at Southwell, for a change over jumps. Go West (Heather Dalton/ Steven Craine) can take the beginners chase over 3 1/4 miles at 19.50 after three times finishing runner-up (twice over fences).