LOCAL trainers will be pursuing success during the point-to-point season.

The Croome and West meeting at Upton on Saturday, April 4, is much-anticipated in the area.

There will also be the Ledbury event at Maisemore Park, near Gloucester, on Sunday, March 29.

Upper Sapey hosts the Clifton-on-Teme meeting later in the campaign on Saturday, May 16.

TRAINERS

MARK WILESMITH — UPTON

At present, Wilesmith has Golanzine in his own stable.

He was successful in a 4-5-6-7 year old two-mile, five-furlong maiden at Maisemore Park in May but lost the race on appeal during the summer as he was ineligible to run.

Although the race was extremely moderate, he did at least win and stands a good chance of success if finding similar conditions in 2015.

NICKIE SHEPPARD — EASTNOR

Stan Sheppard is now based with Paul Nicholls’ yard at Ditcheat so could be seen out in West Country point-to-points as well as on his mother’s horses.

Lacunae made all to win a moderate mares maiden at Chaddesley Corbett last May and similar conditions may be required for her to add to her tally, although a wind operation over the summer could result in further improvement.

Five-year-old Duke of Spain is an unknown quantity and his first outing will provide clues regarding his ability.

Royal Riviera finished fourth for Nigel Twiston-Davies at Ffos Las last May. He now teams up with owner-rider Ed Bailey.

TIM EADES — STORRIDGE

Goose Hill Racing have increased their winning tally since it was set up three years ago.

Eades has worked in racing for 17 years with eight spent at Pond House for Martin and David Pipe.

Last year, the stable had eight winners, finishing third in the Connolly’s Red Mills Championship for stables with less than seven horses.

Vintage Vixon ran five times in Irish points and was placed three times before winning her maiden by 20 lengths.

She did not shine at Tim Vaughn’s yard but is expected to improve now she is back between the flags.

Take Over Sivola won twice in France before joining David Pipe.

He won at Lingfield off a mark of 108 in December 2012 which means he will be eligible to run in conditions races this year.

Abbeywood is back in training after 12 months off. She won a two-and-a-half-mile maiden for breeders Michael and Wendy Smith but may struggle now that she is out of maiden class.

In The Dock won twice in 2013-14, culminating with a confined success at the North Hereford, while The Magerally Man ran nine times.

He was pulled up on three occasions but not out of the frame otherwise.

Connections may need to scour the planner to identify suitable opportunities.

Bamboleo will be out early due to his preference for mud. He had consistent form until he was brought down at Howick.

His three subsequent efforts can probably be discounted as he was suffering from a broken nose.

Newcomer Kilrye has been placed twice from 14 runs under rules but was pulled up on his latest effort at Exeter in January.

This stable have done well with their Pipe imports and he could join that successful band.

JAMES RIDLEY — REDMARLEY

Ridley has taken charge this year although his mother Heather will still be involved along with his girlfriend Jess Short.

Noble Ben has been a wonderful servant to connections and he is now the focus of a new syndicate.

Early-season outings are unlikely as he performs best on good ground and most of the suitable tracks for him do not appear until later in the schedule.

Schindlers Prince is another who prefers good ground but he will be ready for the start of the campaign when conditions will dictate when and where he runs. Amron Kris won a Dromahane Maiden on soft-heavy ground.

He was purchased by Alastair McLeish in May 2014 and could be seen out at either Black Forest Lodge or Larkhill.

Takeithandy is owned by Dan Lloyd and was with Henry Oliver when finishing third in a Southwell Selling Hurdle in July 2014.

He had some form in Irish point-to-points prior to that so a return to this grade may reap dividends.

Champagne Over joined the yard in June 2014.

The three-year-old’s progress will be monitored over the next few months and that will dictate whether he makes his racecourse debut or whether connections wait another year.

Ridley will continue to ride most of the horses himself but will probably use Joe Drinkwater if any of his horses require a pilot in novice riders’ races.