FERGIE'S TOP TEN

Paul Ferguson sets us up ready to pick up sticks for the winter code

- Paul Ferguson

Following last month's ‘Maidens To Follow’ feature, October sees a more traditional Ten To Follow with the 2025-2026 season (proper) now upon us.

DERRYHASSEN PADDY

Lucinda Russell &

Michael Scudamore

A horse who impressed in winning an Irish Point and a heavy-ground bumper at Ayr, he developed into a very smart novice hurdler last season, recording wins at Uttoxeter and Windsor, before recording a career best third-place finish in the Albert Bartlett. In hitting the frame on Gold Cup day, the 6yo proved that testing ground isn’t essential and he rates a smashing prospect for fences this winter. The yard of Lucinda Russell - now officially joint-trainer alongside Michael Scudamore (since August) - continues to go from strength to strength and it will be a surprise if this son of Arctic Cosmos doesn’t develop into a high-class novice chaser.

DOCTOR ON CALL

Paul Nicholls

No Drama This End is likely to develop into a smart novice hurdler for Paul Nicholls this season, having created a really good impression when winning a Warwick bumper on New Year's Eve, but this 5yo is another to note, despite possibly going under the radar having won at Hereford in December. Despite looking green, he saw off subsequent Chepstow winner Just Golden and boasts a nice pedigree, being a half-brother to Martator (rated 151 at his peak), whilst his half-sister Manlaga has joined Nicky Henderson (and JP McManus) to go juvenile hurdling, on the back of a win at Auteuil. Sure to have been intensively schooled at Ditcheat, he is one who could take a significant step forward for a summer break and can hit the ground running in the coming weeks.

MEETMEBYTHESEA

Ben Pauling