THE Betfair Hurdle at Newbury was dominated by two six-year-old novices, with the Nigel Twiston-Davies runner Ballyandy getting the better of Paul Nicholls' Movewiththetimes by three quarters of a length on Saturday.

The pair moved clear of the field two flights from home and were together over the last before fighting it out on the run-in, with 3/1 favourite Ballyandy coming out on top.

There was six lengths back to Clyne in third, with fourth-placed Song Light another two lengths adrift.

Twiston-Davies said: “It’s lovely when a plan works out. Ballyandy has been unlucky and hasn’t won any of the races we thought he would, but what a consolation. The handicapper gave us a chance for once.”

Native River (11/10) completed his preparation for next month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup with an authoritative three-and a quarter length victory in the Betfair Denman Chase.

Colin Tizzard’s seven-year-old had already shown his liking for Newbury earlier this season, when taking the Hennessy Gold Cup in November. Sandwiched in between his Newbury wins, he won the Welsh National at Chepstow over Christmas.

Leading throughout, Native River was pushed into a clear lead two out and stayed on to see off the challenge of Le Mercurey, with disappointing 10/11 favourite Bristol De Mai sixth lengths back in third.

Altior (3/10) could not have been more impressive in romping to a 13-length rout in the Betfair Exchange Chase.