THE 'people's horse', Evening Press, is all set for her second appearance on the Flat.

The two-year-old filly - leased off trainer Tim Etherington by readers of the award-winning newspaper - goes in the 2.40 EBF Pickering Maiden Fillies' Stakes at Redcar tomorrow.

It is a class D race over 6 furlongs for two-year-olds only, with £4,800 added to the prize money.

Forty-one horses were declared at the five-day stage though that number was likely to halve in the final declarations.

Evening Press, who is still learning her trade, has come on a lot following her debut at Newcastle last month when she finished ninth of 16 in a six-furlong sprint, but Etherington does not expect her to be in the shake-up just yet.

"She seems in good shape and is ready to run," he said today.

"She seems sharper after her first race and now knows what she's on this planet for thanks. Physically she's in good form, I just hope she comes out of her stalls quicker than the last time but I think she will.

"She will come on for her racing but at this stage I don't think she is a betting proposition.

"It looks like a tasty race - there are plenty high price horses in it - and if she finishes in the middle I'd be delighted.

"The first race she ran has proven to be one of the best maidens ran this year and this too will be a tough one."

He added: "I would be very happy if we got rain. It seems by the way she runs that she's a good to firm ground horse and I'm hoping the ground stays that way."

Etherington has booked Paul Fessey to ride Evening Press, the same jockey who was on board last time she ran.

"We're pleased to have got the same jockey as she'll be better for knowing him," added the trainer.

Updated: 09:02 Thursday, October 18, 2001