THE undulations of Clifton on Teme's picturesque point-to-point course at Upper Sapey on Sunday will test the skills of all the participants and jockeyship is important on the final bend where securing the inside berth can mean the difference between defeat and victory.

Julian Pritchard and Tim Stephenson are head and shoulders above their rivals at this course so it will obviously pay to follow their mounts on Sunday, although their riding commitments among the 123 entries for this meeting are unknown.

Pritchard guided Titus Bramble into second place at Bitterley recently and the Ledbury-based rider could retain the ride in the Members where he could face a big challenge from Felbo who has won his last two races, after a previously undistinguished career.

Pritchard could team up with Owl Vulgan in the Restricted. With just 12 entries this race will not take a great deal of winning, although the horse's absence from the racecourse in recent weeks has to be a cause for concern, a statement that also applies to Rian Bo Padraig who finished second on the course last year.

Upton Adventure and Young Lorcan head the entries for the Ladies and the former could land her fifth race of the season for Eastnor trainer Nicky Sheppard, while Punters Bar could repeat last year's victory in this contest in the absence of some of his more fancied rivals.

The Land Rover sponsored Men's Open has affected a top class field including Parahandy, Fighting Times, Bright Beacon, Jalcanto and Stride to Glory, with the latter predicted to prevail if Northern Deal fails to meet his engagement.

Mr Bean should take all the beating in the Confined, while Catechist should prove too strong for his rivals in the Maiden.