How can we desert him? Sir Sandrovitch, who landed a 7-2 Nap victory at Beverley yesterday, will bid for more of the same at Thirsk tomorrow.

The Richard Fahey-trained sprinter, a fluent scorer in yesterday's apprentices' handicap, escapes a penalty for that success and therefore lines-up for the Thirsk race as a winner without a penalty.

Following sprinters in form is often a good ploy and Sir Sandrovitch, runner-up in his two previous starts before yesterday's romp, is clearly in rude health at present.

Indeed, Fahey is currently contemplating running him yet again at either Chester or Newcastle on Saturday.

But first things first - he is awarded my Nap vote once more in tomorrow's Jack Calvert Handicap, the feature race at Thirsk, run in honour of the late Hambleton trainer.

Because it's ladies' day at Thirsk, with the first 250 ladies entering the Club Enclosure being presented with a fresh orchid button-hole, an appropriate selection could be Cheeky Girl in the Carol Schofield Fillies' Handicap.

Tim Easterby's three-year-old has run consistently well since winning a modest event at Pontefract earlier in the season and has found her niche at this level. She should go well under smart apprentice David Allan.

The promising Rise is expected to make a bold bid in the Anna Wallace BBC North Yorkshire Median Auction Maiden Stakes, while Regimental Dance, a previous course-and-distance winner, has good claims in the Alex Hall BBC North Yorkshire Handicap.

Thirsk's meeting is being featured throughout the afternoon on BBC North Yorkshire.

At Carlisle, Sheriff Hutton trainer Mick Easterby can take the principal honours by winning the Tote Credit Club Cumberland Plate with a horse well-known to York racegoers.

Sporting Gesture landed the Queen Mother's Cup on Knavesmire a couple of weeks ago, after which Easterby produced his own sporting gesture by handing out champagne to the crowd.

Whether there will be any bubbly forthcoming tomorrow remains to be seen, but Sporting Gesture, who has been in cracking form all season, looks sure to go well under Paul Mulrennan, whose 5lb apprentice allowance promises to be a major plus.

Cyclonic Storm can provide the in-form Richard Fahey with yet another winner in the European Breeders' Fund Fillies' Handicap.

The four-year-old got back on track when scoring at Hamilton two weeks ago and is fancied to follow up here over a course and distance where she has been successful in the past.

John Quinn is another trainer enjoying a fine season and the Settrington handler, one winner away from equalling his best-ever score, can hit the target with Basinet in the Swinside Inn Classified Stakes.

Thursday's tips:

Thirsk

2.25 Brilliantrio, 2.55 Rise, 3.25 Sir Sandrovitch (Nap), 3.55 Cheeky Girl, 4.25 Moyanna, 4.55 Regimental Dance.

Carlisle

2.15 Fitzwarren, 2.45 Ripple Effect, 3.15 Sporting Gesture, 3.45 Cyclonic Storm, 4.15 Basinet, 4.45 Brief Goodbye, 5.15 Obe One.

Salisbury

2.05 Barry Island, 2.35 Mutahayya, 3.05 Milk It Mick, 3.35 Corridor Creeper, 4.05 Camzo, 4.35 Alaared, 5.05 Fattaan.

Updated: 15:36 Wednesday, June 25, 2003