Racing: Fane Counsel is suited by course

None of this weekend's eight meetings are threatened by frost as today's Jedforest fixture at Friars Haugh, near Kelso, passed an inspection last night. Officials there are confident of racing as the frost is out of the ground and the weather forecast is encouraging.

Horseheath, where the Cambridgeshire with Enfield Chase race today, is a venue which takes a bit of knowing, a factor which will favour Fane Counsel, the likely ride of champion Richard Burton in the men's open (1.40). Twice a winner here in 2004, the eight-year-old ran only once last year, but his owner, Clive Hitchings, is enjoying a great start to the season and had a cross-country double last Sunday. The veteran Rob Mine has won on all three visits to this undulating course in his long career and can make it a four in the opening members' (12.0).

Charing starts the south-east season tomorrow where Millennium Way, runner-up at Ampton three weeks ago, should make his fitness count in the ladies' open (1.45).

l The Waveney Harriers at Higham, abandoned last Sunday due to frost, has been re-arranged for tomorrow, with original entries standing.