THE partnership between James Phillips and Maletton did not get off to an auspicious start as they failed to complete the course on several occasions earlier in the season.

Their last two runs, however, have exceeded all expectations, so they must have a good chance in their choice of objectives at the Clifton-on-Teme meeting on Sunday afternoon.

Their CV includes a win at Cold Harbour before they made Whizaar pull out all the stops at Chaddesley Corbett, so the Claines partnership stand a good chance in the Novice Riders’ race, which looks a far easier objective than the Men’s Open.

Absolutely Barking, Parkinson, Lord Goschen and Rocking Robin all have form in this type of company, while Prioritisation won a similar event at Ashorne for Ombersley’s David Griffiths.

The Men’s Open could be graced with the presence of Come What Augustus from Richard Woolacott’s stable in Devon.

He holds the lead in the Riders’ Championship, but will have to keep riding winners to stall his rivals’ efforts.

The West Country challenger must hold a favourite’s chance in this contest, as Deep Hall, Definite Approach, New Time and Sheknowsyouknow will most likely be left trailing in his wake.

There are 25 entries for the Restricted and this is probably the most difficult contest on the card to predict although Blinding Lights, Getyouracttogether, Jackson Town and Ruperts Vision seem to have better chances than most of their rivals.

Sonnes Castle is an interesting runner. He has run two good races for Martin Oliver, but has been sold to Kidderminster owner Colin Basterfield, who immediately placed him in the care of Dick Baimbridge. Many will remember the success this partnership enjoyed with Skyhawk last year.

Absolutely Barking stands a good chance of taking the Intermediate for Ali Sterling.

This combination finished runner-up in last year’s contest and a repeat performance should see them land the spoils.

Polly Gundry has supported this meeting in the past so take note if she brings up any runners from her stables near Ottery St Mary.

Ned the Post and Lord Raspberry both hold entries in the Intermediate and would make their presence felt if lining up.

The Open Maiden has 22 entries and most of them have failed to impress so far this season.

Zoe Hammond and Don Constable have had an excellent record with their Maiden runners so far this season, but Don’t Look Bach is the only one of their horses who has yet to open his account — this looks an ideal opportunity for him to do so. The undulating nature of this course does not suit some horses and form lines do go out of the window in these circumstances.

Panicmadic was prominent for a couple of miles on his racecourse debut and there is now another chance to see what he is capable of — a remark that also applies to Lady Darcy.

The final Maiden should be a straight fight between Fortiszamo and Su Bleu.

The former holds his rival on their Chaddesley running, although there were excuses because Su Bleu was pushed wide down the back straight.

Therefore, it would not come as a major surprise if the tables were turned on this occasion.