Ten To Follow Update (31.01.2018)

January ended with a bang in the Ten To Follow competition, as we saw nine qualifying races at the weekend across Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham and Doncaster's Sky Bet Chase card.

Apple's Shakira started the day as the strong favourite for the Grade Two juvenile opener at Cheltenham and she duly obliged. The Nicky Henderson trained 4-year-old is now a perfect four from four, three of those wins coming at Cheltenham, but all on a soft surface. It remains to be seen if she can reproduce that on better ground come March.

Just over an hour later, Bryony Frost made the headlines again with a great ride on Frodon, quickening clear between the last two fences and running out a 17 length winner. It was then Definitly Red's turn to take the limelight, with a strong staying performance to see off American and pick up an extra 20 bonus points in the Cotswold Chase. Favourite Bristol De Mai jumped poorly and will now be aimed at the Grand National.

The next two races saw Santini make an impressive second start over hurdles, outstaying Black Op with a likeable performance to win the Grade Two Ballymore Classic Novices' Hurdle. Connections think he will be better on a sounder surface and could be one to keep in mind this spring. Finally, Lizzie Kelly made it a great day for the girls with a confident ride on Agrapart to take the Cleeve Hurdle.

Over at Doncaster, Sceau Royal got players off to a great start with a smooth success in the Grade Two Lighting Novices' Chase. Owners Isaac Souede and Simon Munir look double handed in the Arkle and retained rider Daryl Jacob will have a difficult decision to make at the Festival between Sceau Royal and Footpad. Sadly, the rest of the card was not as fortuitous for players as Enniscoffey Oscar, Maria's Benefit and Wakanda all won.

This weekend we head to Sandown Park for the Scilly Isles Novice Chase.

Be sure to check back next Wednesday for the scores.

The full leaderboard can be found on our website.