There are no problems about racing at Thirsk tomorrow, despite the dramatic drenching the course received in Sunday's spectacular flash floods, but the main focus of attention will be 60 miles further north.

Newcastle kicks-off its three-day Pitmen's Derby fixture with a smart card, highlighted by the £30,000 EBF Hoppings Stakes, which provides Dash To The Top with a perfect opportunity to begin her second season on a winning note.

A high-class juvenile last year which culminated in a super effort to finish third to Playful Act in the Group One Fillies' Mile at Ascot, Dash To The Top missed the chance of going for the Vodafone Oaks at Epsom this month because trainer Luca Cumani felt she still hadn't quite come to herself in her coat.

Three weeks on should have made all the difference, and with Cumani now eyeing the Irish Oaks next month, Dash To The Top will need to win this Listed race handsomely to stake her Classic claim.

Darryll Holland, who took yesterday off after bruising an ankle in a fall at Nottingham on Monday, has the mount.

Another Bottle, trained at Hazelwood near Tadcaster by Tom Tate, should go well in the TSG Seaton Delaval Trophy Handicap under York jockey Robert Winston.

A progressive performer last season, Another Bottle started this term with a win at Ripon, but nothing went right for him at Redcar last time in the Zetland Gold Cup, when a wide draw and pedestrian early gallop counted against him. He is expected to make a bold bid this time.

Princess Kiotto merits attention in the TSG Skyscap Handicap over two miles.

Though slightly disappointing at Pontefract last time, Tim Easterby's mare had previously won by a wide margin over this course and distance.

Easterby can also make his mark at Thirsk where Malcheek is napped to win the Skelton Castle Handicap.

Malcheek, who has taken time to overcome an aversion to the starting stalls, made a successful reappearance here three weeks ago when beating Algharb, a winner since. He now enters handicap company, but his 75-rating does not look too harsh and, tackling seven furlongs again, he is taken to follow-up.

Former jump-jockey Alan Brown, who runs a horse-transport business in Ryedale, has taken out a training licence this term - the second time he has grasped the training nettle - and can land his first win with Blue Maeve in the Jack Calvert Handicap.

Blue Maeve will be well suited by this fast five-furlongs track, following a good effort to finish third at Pontefract on her latest start.

Thursday's tips:

Newcastle

2.20 Touch Of Ivory; 2.50 Princess Kiotto; 3.20 Another Bottle; 3.50 Dash To The Top; 4.20 Donna's Double; 4.50 Superstitious.

Thirsk

2.30 Dara Mac; 3.00 Korolieva; 3.30 Blue Maeve; 4.00 Charlotte Vale; 4.30 Maghazi; 5.00 Malcheek (NAP).

Tomorrow's other race meetings are at Hamilton (evening, Flat), Leicester (evening, Flat) and Salisbury (afternoon, Flat).

Updated: 12:03 Wednesday, June 22, 2005