RACING returns to Upton-upon-Severn on Tuesday afternoon when the Croome and West Warwickshire stage their point-to-point at this popular riverside venue (first race 2pm).

Secretary Bill Lane reports the course to be in good shape and despite the dry conditions they will be making every effort to maintain that in the run up to the meeting.

Mike Daniell trains on the opposite side of Upton at Ham Court and his stables’ fortunes have turned round in recent weeks following victories by Allforclover and Pickersleigh.

Both horses hold engagements in the Restricted and this seems a perfect opportunity for Pickersleigh to follow on from where she left off at Brampton Bryan. If that is the case, Mervyn Jones’ mare should pick up another prize.

Hanley Swan-based Andy Hobbs took the Members last year and will be hoping to do the same again this year with Niver Bai, Ice Cool Benny or Prof de L’Isle.

This is a tricky race to assess because Tribal Venture has to come into calculations if anywhere near his best but his form has dipped recently so it remains to be seen if this is a temporary blip or something more permanent.

Tribal Venture runs in the colours of Annabel King and connections have the chance of landing a double if Kornati Kid lines up for the Mixed Open. He is the class horse in the race and will be difficult to beat.

Hobbs’ runners always run well at this meeting so Saint Reverien must stand a chance in Kornati Kids absence.

Saint Reverien lost nothing when defeated by Noble Ben at Maisemore, while Claudia Wilesmith will be hoping the scales finally tip in Openditch’s direction and then he can finally open his account for her Upton-upon-Severn yard.

The six-runner Conditions race looks an ideal opportunity for the Wilesmith-trained Stormy Bob to claim first prize. He has been the bridesmaid on a number of occasions this season so is due a change of luck.

The Intermediate provides entrants with one of their last chances to qualify for the Connolly’s Red Mills final at Cheltenham on May 4 and the Fergal O’Brien-trained Gemini Ahhs gets the nod in this company.

The two-mile five-furlong Maiden has attracted 31 entries but three horses seem to have better creditionals than the remainder of the field. These are Avoid the Spin (Clive Bennett - Dymock), Beth’s Star (Hobbs - Hanley Swan) and Friendly Natives (Heather Ridley - Forthampton).

All will have their supporters but there was much to like about Friendly Natives run at Maisemore, so a repeat performance should land him the prize.