Malton jockey Dean Mernagh, who was at the centre of a controversial win at Southwell on Saturday, returns to the course tomorrow with excellent prospects of following-up aboard Penwell Hill.

Trained by David Barron, who is very much a force to be reckoned with on the sand, Penwell Hill is sure to be a popular choice among punters in the Bet Direct At Southwell Handicap following his promising comeback effort here ten days ago.

That outing saw the four-year-old finish a close-up second to Inch Perfect after the pair pulled clear of the remainder of the field.

Mernagh will have a better idea than most of the value of that form, because on Saturday, riding Mr Gisby, he beat Inch Perfect into second place in a race which produced a wave of controversy.

Mernagh's whip action came under close scrutiny after he appeared to strike the challenging Inch Perfect three times across the head, breaking his whip in the process.

The stewards, who held an inquiry into the incident, and heard from Mernagh that his actions were not intentional, duly took no discplinary action, deeming his use of the whip to be accidental.

But the decision sparked widespread surprise, with racegoers, punters and television pundits up in arms that Mernagh's use of the whip had been deliberate and, as such, he should have been penalised and Mr Gisby disqualified.

Richard Fahey, trainer of Inch Perfect, has until today to decide whether to lodge an appeal against the stewards' decision.

Back to tomorrow's racing and Loyal Tycoon bids for a quick course hat-trick in the Bet Direct Handicap over six furlongs.

David Nicholls' gelding has returned to action in the form of his life and, after a cosy success in a claiming race, followed-up in a competitive handicap last Friday.

A 6lb penalty may not be enough to halt his progress tomorrow, with smart apprentice Tony Hamilton again in the saddle.

Kylkenny, a winner on this course last season, is napped to defy top weight in the betdirect.co.uk Handicap over one mile and three furlongs.

Steve Drowne's mount has mixed all-weather racing with jumping this winter and should not fail on the score of fitness.

Bryan Smart and Patrick Haslam, two trainers enjoying regular success on the sand, can also figure among the winners, courtesy of Beady (12.35) and Blue Venture (1.05) respectively.

Tomorrow's two jumping fixtures, at Folkestone and Ayr, should both get the go-ahead if the forecast of milder weather is right.

An inspection of the Ayr course was due to take place this afternoon, and Len Lungo will have more reason than most that the green light is granted.

The Dumfries trainer has a whole host of leading chances, not least with On The Day (1.25), The Rile (2.25) and Mr Woodentop (3.25).

Tuesday's tips:

Southwell

12.05 Robbie Can Can, 12.35 Beady, 1.05 Blue Venture, 1.35 Loyal Tycoon, 2.05 Kylkenny (Nap), 2.35 Araf, 3.05 Quiet Reading, 3.35 Penwell Hill.

Ayr

1.25 On The Day, 1.55 Kid'z'play, 2.25 The Rile, 2.55 River Ness, 3.25 Mr Woodentop, 3.55 Paddy The Piper.

Folkestone

12.45 King Of The Dawn, 1.15 Navale, 1.45 Flinders Chase, 2.15 Backview, 2.45 Lucys Lad, 3.15 Classic China.

Updated: 14:27 Monday, January 13, 2003