Distant Times can provide Great Habton trainer Tim Easterby with his first winner of the Flat season at Warwick tomorrow.

The three-year-old lines up for the six-furlong Dunchurch Classi-fied Stakes with Sheriff Hutton jockey Kevin Darley in the saddle.

Distant Times showed consistent form last season as a juvenile, filling the frame on several occasions, but frustratingly never managing to get his head in front.

He ran soundly on his reappearance at Doncaster 11 days ago, being pipped for fourth in a competitive seven-furlong handicap after an unfavourable draw. To-morrow's shorter distance should not trouble Distant Times, who may gain that elusive first success.

Richard Fahey is another Ryedale trainer represented at Warwick and he is expected to make his presence felt in the Draycote Handicap with Call Of The Wild, who also remains a maiden despite running several good races in defeat.

A close-up third on his latest start at Wolverhampton confirmed his well-being and his proven fitness should stand him in good stead on his return to turf.

John Dunlop has yet to get his Sussex team into top gear, but this master trainer is always a man to have on your side, especially early on, and Heir To Be is napped to begin the campaign on a winning note in the Scottish Equitable/ Jockeys' Association Handicap.

That the five-year-old remains an inmate of the powerful Arundel stable suggests more is thought to be gained from him, and Richard Quinn's mount will relish the distance of one mile seven furlongs.

Frankie Dettori is the star attraction at Folkestone, and he has a host of eye-catching mounts, the majority trained by David Loder at Newmarket.

Well-bred two-year-old Observer (2.10), interesting newcomer Wist-man (3.40) and Perfect Portrait (3.10), winner of his only outing last season, can triumph for the duo, while Dettori also boasts a chance on Petite Rose (2.40), a John Gosden-trained newcomer, which, as they say, could be anything.

Wednesday's tips:

Warwick

2-30 Polly Alexander; 3-00 Siera Spirit; 3-30 Andean; 4-00 Heir To Be (NAP); 4-30 Distant Times; 5-00 Man Of Letters; 5-30 Call Of The Wild.

Folkestone

2-10 Observer; 2-40 Petite Rose; 3-10 Perfect Portrait; 3-40 Wistman; 4-10 City General; 4-40 Cuddles; 5-10 Blazing The Trail.

Tomorrow's other meeting is at Fontwell.

Tom O'Ryan's Nap for this afternoon's racing was: Strong Hand (3.20 Pontefract)

Updated: 12:11 Tuesday, April 06, 2004