Altay, controversially disqualified at Lingfield last week, returns to the Surrey course tomorrow to bid for quick compensation - less than an hour before his Malton trainer Richard Fahey and jockey Paul Hangan attend an official appeal against his relegation at the Jockey Club's Portman Square headquarters in London.

Fahey admitted to being "stunned" at the stewards' decision to disqualify Altay after his fluent four lengths success, and also at the way they interpreted that Hangan was guilty of irresponsible riding, instead of the lesser charge of careless riding, after he had allowed Altay to drift inwards on the home turn.

Hanagan picked up a six-day ban for the incident, which provoked widespread criticism from punters, up in arms that Altay, the 7-2 favourite, was disqualified.

The case will be re-opened at around 3.30pm tomorrow, by which time Altay may well have won the £12,000 Bet Direct Showcase Handicap.

The Ryedale gelding is, effectively, a winner without a penalty. And, furthermore, he is considerably better off tomorrow than he will be in future races, the handicapper having raised him a hefty 10lb for the runaway success he won - and lost - last week.

There is plenty at stake tomorrow, some of it at Lingfield and the remainder in the heart of London.

With Hangan required to give evidence at the appeal, Tony Culhane comes in for the ride on a horse who will be under close scrutiny.

Culhane can also score on David Chapman's recent winner On The Trail (3-40), while the combination of yet another North Yorkshire partnership, that of trainer Pat Haslam and jockey Carol Williams, can likewise hit the target at the track with Tuscarora (12-05).

Over the sticks at Newcastle, conditions are expected to be heavy, which will suit Nowell House in the James Fletcher Marquees Handicap Hurdle.

Mick Easterby's gelding, a decent handicapper on the Flat, has run two respectable races over hurdles this season. With conditions in his favour, this proven mud-lover could make it third time lucky.

Nap selection Over Zealous has been running well enough in defeat recently to suggest his winning turn can come in the St Modwen Properties plc Handicap Chase over three miles.

In the frame on his last three starts, Over Zealous, trained by John Upson, is a previous winner over this course and distance.

Telemoss, impressive winner of both his races over fences, can make it three in the Parklands Golf Course Novices' Chase.

Tony Dobbin's mount looks a high-class recruit and should not be unduly troubled to complete a hat-trick.

Wednesday's tips:

Lingfield

12-05 Tuscarora

12-35 Alchemist Master

1-10 Senor Pedro

1-40 Zafarshah

2-10 Humouresque

2-40 Altay

3-10 Wittily

3-40 On The Trail

Newcastle

12-45 Super Sammy

1-20 Nowell House

1-50 Telemoss

2-20 Gospel Song

2-50 Vicars Destiny

3-20 Over Zealous (NAP)

Tomorrow's other scheduled race meeting is at Huntingdon.

Updated: 12:51 Tuesday, January 14, 2003