TIM EASTERBY'S two-year-olds haven't exactly been setting the world alight this season, but all is not gloom and doom because Distant Times (2.30) has an excellent chance of opening his account at Newcastle today.

With only six winners from 106 runners, Tim's juveniles have been slow to come to hand, a remark that also applies to Distant Times, one for the "can do better" tray as far as his mid-term school report goes.

However, like so many of Easterby's youngsters, Distant Times is improving with experience, a point rammed home by his promising third-placing in an above-average course and distance maiden event last time out.

This afternoon's opposition in the Saltwell Signs Maiden Stakes doesn't look anything like so strong and therefore it might well turn out to be a case of third time lucky for the Great Habton-based raider.

In view of the fact the Official Handicapper is likely to have little mercy as far as Dame de Noche (5.05) is concerned, trainer James Given has opted to run his progressive filly just six days after picking up a valuable handicap at Glorious Goodwood. The 6lb penalty Dame de Noche carries in the BBC Radio Newcastle Handicap should not be sufficient to stop her knocking in a quick-fire double, although under a steadier of 10st1lb jockey Mick Fenton will need to keep plenty up his sleeve for the testing uphill climb to the lollipop.

Further south at Pontefract, ace amateur Nicky Tinkler gets another chance to advertise his burgeoning talent aboard Cyclonic Storm (2.20) in the opening mile-and-a-quarter Bollinger-sponsored Handicap.

Only once out of the first three on her last five outings, Richard Fahey's game and genuine mare has most to fear from the back-to-form Tony Tie, who ended a long losing sequence when scoring at Beverley a week ago.

Middleham's John Weymes is not afraid to go far afield in search of decent money, hence his decision to despatch Linden's Lady (4.15) all the way to Brighton for the £10,000 Ebony Room Sprint Stakes.

Despite having had a busy time, Linden's Lady keeps punching her weight and with the help of Lisa Jones' 5lb allowance should bring the booty back to North Yorkshire.

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