THE connections of racehorse Evening Press were happy with her display at Redcar despite a disappointing result.

The two-year-old filly finished 11th out of 13 in the six-furlong The European Breeders Fund Pickering Maiden Fillies 'Stakes at the Teesside racecourse yesterday.

It was her second appearance following her debut last month at Newcastle where she finished ninth of 16 also in a six-furlong sprint.

However, the competition was tougher at Redcar and although she trailed in about 15 lengths behind the winner, her Norton-based trainer, Tim Etherington, was pleased with her display.

"I think it was pretty good all things considered," he said.

"Although she was a bit excited in the stalls, wanting to get on with the job, she jumped out better than at Newcastle. The finishing position was not that good but we learnt more and she has as well.

"This was a very hot little race - we had £100,000 horses in it. I was pleased with her as she seems to be coming on."

The race was a class 'D' event for two-year-old fillies only, and both Etherington and the market did not think Press was in with a shout.

Etherington had said that she was not a betting proposition, but rather needed another race under her belt, while she was priced at 100-1 by course bookmakers to win.

Wish, trained by Sir Michael Stoute at Newmarket, crossed the line first ahead of the Barry Hills-trained Anne Tudor, with Slupia in third.

Evening Press, who was in the middle of the pack after jumping out the stalls sluggishly, fell away into the trailing bunch three furlongs out. However, she ran on quite well at the finish.

"The leaders were just going half a stride too fast for her, but she was the one who was coming home well, which all suggests she wants a bit further, which is what we expected." said Etherington.

"It was not a bad performance. This ground was a bit too tacky for her. It's holding ground, a bit tiring for her. She has a beautiful action and probably needs better ground."

The Flat season finishes in three weeks and Etherington was hoping to give her another race to earn her a handicap for next season, which would increase her racing options. Otherwise, she could run on the all-weather over the winter.

"I'd like to get a third race in this year if we can. She will let us know if she's ready," he said, adding that she will probably be moved up to mile-plus races next season.

"She's okay this filly and we will be all right next year," he stated.

Updated: 10:33 Saturday, October 20, 2001