MALCOLM JEFFERSON, who has a useful team of horses under his care for this jumps season, can move his campaign into gear at Sedgefield this afternoon by completing a double.]

The Norton trainer is fancied to score with Pair Of Jacks and Ethelwyn, both mounts of his regular jockey Brian Hughes.

Pair Of Jacks, who runs in the Phoenix Security Novices' Hurdle Qualifier, was a winner over timber on this course last April. Previously a bumper winner, he looks the type to make further progress this term and, although this will be his comeback outing after his summer break, a bold bid is expected.

Ethelwyn, a runner in the Newton Aycliffe Royal British Legion Mares' National Hunt Flat Race, is bidding to make it third time lucky.

The four-year-old has finished runner-up in both her starts to date, most recently at Market Rasen a month ago.

Pixiepot, the winner of that Market Rasen race, reopposes for Peter Niven this afternoon and has to be respected, but a 7lb pull may enable Ethelwyn to turn the tables on her local rival.

The Slaters Arms Darlington Handicap Hurdle looks a good opportunity for Next Hight, trained by Sue Smith at Bingley.

The seven-year-old finished a creditable third at Sandownon his latest outing. With previous course-winning form, he has strong claims.

Don Cantillion can get proceedings off to a winning start by scoring with the consistent Speed Chick (2.20), while Mr Burgess (4.00), chasing a hat-trick and an easy eight lengths winner here on his latest outing, is also worth noting.

At Ayr's eight-race card, Secret City is fancied to get back in the winning groove in the Racing UK Available Anywhere Now Handicap (division two).

Robin Bastiman's eight-year-old won here in July and showed he was still in good heart when fourth at Newcastle on his latest start. He is napped to get back on top under the in-form Danny Tudhope.

The featured Betfair Scottish Racing Mile Series Final Handicap looks a good opportunity for Funding Deficit, who scored at Hamilton last week.

A 6lb penalty may not be enough to anchor Jim Goldie's charge, who will again be partnered by Graham Lee, pictured.

Josh Quinn, who is attached to David O'Meara's Nawton yard, earned a few admirers when riding his fifth winner on Dansili Dutch at Haydock last Friday.

Doyle gets another chance to shine aboard Kiss Of Spring in the Watch On 3 Devices racinguk/com Apprentice Training Series Handicap.

The filly has finished second at Newcastle and Catterick on her last two starts and looks capable of losing her maiden tag before too long. This is not a race that will take much winning and Kiss Of Spring is fancied to take the honours for the up-and-coming Doyle.

Also worth noting at Ayr are Ann Duffield's Rust (3.50), a respectable third at Hamilton last time, and Manatee Bay (5.00), trained by David Nicholls, and a winner at Redcar two starts ago before a creditable fourth to Bondi Beach Boy at Beverley last week.

Racing selections

Sedgefield today

2.20 Speed Chick, 2.50 Pair Of Jacks, 3.25 Fitandproperjob, 4.00 Mr Burgess, 4.35 Next Hight, 5.10 Jewellry, 5.40 Ethelwyn.

Ayr today

2.10 Miss Van Gogh, 2.40 Doctors Papers, 3.15 Scrafton, 3.50 Rust, 4.25 Secret City, 5.00 Manatee Bay, 5.30 Funding Deficit, 6.00 Kiss Of Spring.

Today's other meetings

Chepstow and Wolverhampton.

Tomorrow's meetings

Newcastle, Kempton, Nottingham and Salisbury.