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HIVIKOS: could contest the Restricted
photo: Phil Britt

After problems caused by flooding over the last couple of years, Secretary Bill Lane and his team are doing everything possible to ensure the best possible going for this year's meeting at Upton-upon-Severn. That commitment has resulted in 195 entries for Tuesday's fixture.

Hanley Swan (Malvern) trainer Andy Hobbs holds the key to the Members and could be double-handed as both Jaunty Times and Niver Bai will have had sufficient time to recover from their exertions at Maisemore Park.

Niver Bai did well to finish second and that will provide confidence to his Leigh Sinton based connections, while Jaunty Times was putting his best work in at the finish so the extra distance at Upton is a point in his favour.

Regal Vision won the race in 2009 for Claire Dyson but the opposition is much stronger this time around, while Oakley Gold also won over the course last year but she will struggle to make her mark in this company.

With her brother Tom heading the Riders Championship in the West Midlands 16-year-old Charlotte Weston made her racecourse debut on Caught at Dawn last weekend. She acquitted herself well and it would really be a fairytale story if the youngster could gain a success on only her second ride in public.

Clive Bennett and his Dymock based trainer Emma Alvis were also successful at Maisemore seven days ago so they will be hoping that Ashwell Lad continues their run of good fortune in the Intermediate. On current form he is sure to make a bid for glory, but will need to with the likes of Le Millenaire and Shernally expected to line up.

There are 37 entries for the Restricted, where Hivikos, Mymstery Man and Rathconrath are expected to fight out at the finish, while Silver Moon Lite or Bachley Gale has the potential to take the Mares Maiden.

Both Just Talking and William Somers have performed with distinction in Hunter Chases so the Mixed Open provides far easier pickings if connections decide on this option, while Drom's front running tactics will expose any flaws in his rivals make up in the Conditions race.

This race could see the debut of My Way de Solzen who was a top class performer under Rules. On past form, this race is his for the taking, but if things were that simple we would all be rich so a watching brief is suggested on this occasion.

With 44 entries, the 2m5f Maiden must be in danger of being divided on the day. Dammam started favourite for a similar contest at Maisemore but a major error at the second obstacle put him out of contention. A clear round is probably all that is required to gain compensation.

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