A sign that winter is not too far away comes tomorrow as Thirsk brings its 2004 campaign to a close with its final meeting of the Flat season.

It will hopefully be a fruitful one for Thirsk trainer David Barron, who saddles Gifted Flame in the Racing UK on Channel 432 Handicap.

The five-year-old has been pretty consistent this season and has run well in defeat since scoring at Carlisle three outings ago.

A horse who requires holding-up for a late run, Gifted Flame will have the services tomorrow of Robert Winston, who is enjoying a very successful campaign.

With a maximum 18 runners, this looks a tricky event but Gifted Flame is fancied to come out on top.

The Rogan's Seat Maiden Stakes has been chosen as the starting point for Iktibas, trained by Saeed bin Suroor.

The three-year-old, a well-bred colt, would not need to be anything above average to make a winning debut and is clearly one to respect from this formidable yard.

Fox Covert is selected in the Scarborough Castle Handicap. David Barker's speedy three-year-old will have the assistance of Lee Enstone, who lost his apprentices' allowance last week and is now seeking his first success as a fully-fledged jockey.

At Yarmouth, my Nap selection Whitbarrow should not be overlooked in the Elm Contracts Conditions Stakes over six furlongs.

The five-year-old is on a long losing run, but he showed well when fifth to Halmahera in last week's Portland Handicap at Doncaster that he is in excellent heart.

A decent performer when things fall his way, Whitbarrow can make his presence felt tomorrow under John Egan.

Tomorrow's Tips:

Thirsk

2.30 Able Charlie, 3.00 Hadrian, 3.30 Gifted Flame, 4.00 Iktibas, 4.30 Sovereign State, 5.00 Fox Covert.

Yarmouth

2.20 Velveteen Rabbit, 2.50 Our Emmy Lou, 3.20 Musical Fair, 3.50 Stargem, 4.20 Bertocelli, 4.50 Whitbarrow (Nap), 5.20 Circassian.

Tomorrow's other meeting is at Salisbury.

Tom O'Ryan's Nap for this afternoon's racing was: Inchpast (3.40 at Redcar).

Updated: 15:33 Monday, September 13, 2004