ZIZI failed to finish top for jockey Carl Lowther on the opening day of the Ebor meeting at York.

But the Blackburn apprentice's best chance of glory was expected to come today when he had the mount of Champagne Prince in the opening race, the Motability Rated Stakes Handicap.

The duo have been 'big meet' wonders as they proved earlier this year at Epsom when they captured the London Car Telephones Handicap, the race before the Derby.

It was also aboard Champagne Prince that Lowther kick-started a career that appeared to be going nowhere - but has now yielded 33 winners - when he landed the £20,000 Tote Zetland Gold Cup at Redcar.

"Champagne Prince has come from behind to win and also led from the front so it's a very versatile horse," said Lowther, 23.

"I think he has a good chance today.

"A big meeting like this is another opportunity for me to impress other trainers.

"The more rides you get, the better chance you have of riding winners.

"So hopefully this meeting will go well for me."

It started badly yesterday when Zizi trailed the winner of the Eglinton Nursery Handicap, Optimistic, by 20 lengths.

The 11-1 shot came home in 11th spot after being outpaced from halfway.

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