disputed close 2nd, slight mistake 4th, not fluent and briefly pushed along in last after 4 out, left 2nd 3 out, closed on leader when not fluent 2 out, ridden and a length behind when slight mistake last, no impression run-in, kept on one pace
disputed close 2nd, half a length behind leader in definite 2nd when blundered and unseated rider 3 out
made all, narrow lead for most, jumped slightly left 5th, a length lead and travelling best before last, pushed out and drew clear run-in, eased close home, comfortably
The four-year-old QUARTZ DU RHEU made all for an easy victory on his debut for Willie Mullins at Tramore and, though unable to peg back Turnpike Trip at Listowel, should get back on the winning trail with his allowance. Elwood, a winner in minor company in France, was very highly tried in his first two starts for Gordon Elliot but showed his potential when runner-up in a 3m handicap at Cork. He'll probably need further in time but Mister Eddman scored over the track and trip in March, though hasn't shown much subsequently. Three Wise Men has been racing in stronger company for some time without showing any real form.
Elwood (FR) 16-1 (11-3) Chased leaders, slight mistake 7th, 3rd halfway, improved to dispute after 4 out, led entering straight, joined 3 out, ridden before 2 out, headed after 2 out, kept on same pace, 2nd of 14, 4 1/2l behind Ronald Pump (11-3) at Cork 3m hcp sft in Mar.
Three Wise Men (IRE) 11-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, pecked at 1st, reminders after 6th, 6th at 7th, under pressure after 8th, ridden and weakened after 3 out, 9th of 13, dist behind All The Answers (11-6) at Galway 2m 2f hcp sft in Aug.
Quartz Du Rheu (FR) 4-6fav (11-1) Tracked leaders in 4th, 3rd at 5th, headway into 2nd entering straight, ridden in 2nd 2 out, no impression on winner inside final furlong, kept on same pace, 2nd of 6, 4l behind Turnpike Trip (11-5) at Listowel 2m gd in Sep.
Mister Eddman (IRE) 20-1 (11-1) In touch in rear, rapid headway to lead after 4 out, headed and ridden entering straight, dropped to 4th before 2 out, soon weakened, 6th of 8, 22 1/2l behind Doctor Duffy (11-6) at Navan 2m 6f gd in Sep.
