Ten To Follow 12.02.2020

This week includes: 

• Three Grade 2 contests
• The return of Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Native River
• A win for the most popular horse in this year's competition

Thursday 6^th—Huntingdon

Betway Sidney banks Memorial Novices’ Hurdle (Listed Race)—Shishkin

Huntingdon Racecourse got the Ten To Follow action underway with a Listed Contest, and it was the Nicky Henderson trained Shishkin who cruised home in front, winning easily by 11 lengths and confirming himself as a leading player for the Supreme Hurdle next month. This result scored 20 points for five Ten To Follow teams.

Saturday 8^th—Newbury & Warwick

Win Bigger On The Betfair Exchange Chase (Grade 2)—Altior
Betfair Denman Chase (Grade 2)—Native River
Betfair Hurdle (Grade 3)—Pic D’Orhy
Racing…Only Bettor Podcast Bumper (Listed)—Ocean Wind

Agetur UK Kingmaker Novices’ Chase (Grade 2)—Rouge Vif
Paddy Power 31 Sleeps To Cheltenham Mares’ Hurdle (Listed)—Indefatigable

There were some real equine stars on show on Saturday at Newbury Racecourse. First up was Altior on his first run since his defeat to Cyrname at Ascot. The multiple Cheltenham Festival winner looked to be back to his former self as he ran on well after the last to quickly open up a lead and win readily. Altior is the most popular pick in this year’s competition and so the win scored 30 points for 211 teams.

Next up was another Cheltenham hero in the form of Gold Cup winner Native River. With regular partner Richard Johnson out of action with a broken arm it fell to Jonjo O’Neill Jr to take up the ride, but the duo seemed to take it all in their stride as Native River made all, staying on strongly from two out to get home in front by just shy of three lengths. This win scored 30 points for 10 Ten to Follow teams.

The final race that scored points for players was the Kingmaker up at Warwick which was won impressively by Rouge Vif for trainer Harry Whittington. Well done to Jon Nuttall who was the only player to select the winner and secure the 30 points.

The win for Altior has propelled Alan Wellsteed into first place, and he now occupies the first two spots on the leader board. Jon Nuttall and Gary Hutt aren’t far behind and it’s only a short drop down to Derek Latham, David Walters and Mervyn Broom. The full standings can be viewed here.