THE season's most unlucky loser, Harry Hooly, is fancied to gain compensation at Sedgefield.

Last time out over course and distance Harry Hooly (2.00) was about to pass the long time leader Harlov, only for rider Laura Hislop to be dislodged as Harlov impeded her progress by veering badly to his left.

The Stewards not surprisingly disqualified Harlov from first place, while rider Wilson Renwick suffered a ten-day ban for reckless riding. But despite meting out the appropriate punishment, the officials couldn't turn back the clock for Harry Hooly, who in the opinion of most observers would have won with a clear passage.

This afternoon Michael Naughton takes over in the saddle, and provided he can keep clear of trouble, the Egglescliffe Handicap Hurdle looks there for the taking.

Lord Pat's (3.00) form has been patchy this season, but if he does decide to put his best foot forward he should have the measure of his opponents in the Conditional Jockeys' Selling Handicap Hurdle.

The selection's indubitable ability to handle heavy ground has to be a factor in siding with Kate Miligan's gelding, who has in the past shown a distinct liking for the undulating nature of the course.

Lenny Lungo reported he has "not slept for a week" after a bout of coughing hit his stables at Carrustherstown in Scotland.

Lungo's main worries surround the decent team he has assembled for next week's Cheltenham Festival, which includes The Bajan Bandit and Direct Access. Fortunately some of those concerns may well evaporate should To-Day To-Day (3.30), Dean Of Devon (4.00), and Mr Woodentop (5.00) all justify expected favouritism in their respective contests.

Nipper Reed's reappearance following a 720-day absence at Exeter is bound to raise a few eyebrows.

Three years ago Nipper Reed was a high-class two-mile chaser, rated around the 140 mark. Trainer Karen George has opted to give the veteran 13-year-old a comeback spin over hurdles in the Chagford Amateur Riders' Handicap Hurdle off a mark of just 93.

It's a canny ploy and if Nipper Reed attracts any early support in the betting exchanges a small each-way investment is advised.

* Racing at Sedgefield today is set to go ahead as planned, clerk of the course James Hutchinson said yesterday.