held up towards rear, in touch in 5th 3 out, 3rd approaching straight, pushed along and no impression when slight mistake 2 out, no extra
led and soon clear, reduced advantage halfway, pushed along and headed after 3 out, soon dropped to rear and weakened
held up in rear, not fluent 1st and bad mistake 2nd, still in rear and no impression when mistake and unseated rider 3 out
chased clear leader and soon 3rd, jumped big 3rd, mistake 6th, closer in 2nd after next, led after 3 out and soon pressed, ridden and headed before 2 out where not fluent, no impression, kept on one pace
chased clear leader in 2nd, not fluent 7th and soon 3rd, 2nd and pressed leader after 3 out, led travelling well before next, 2 lengths lead before last, ridden and stayed on well
chased clear leader, soon 4th, ridden in 4th and no impression approaching straight, no extra
NonRunner
NonRunner
Willie Mullins has won this three times in recent years and Space Tourist is likely to be supported to overturn Listowel running with Popova, who beat her a short-head over 2m4f. Both of her hurdles victories and her bumper success came on much quicker going but today's longer trip should be to her advantage. RIVIERE D'ETEL is the class act here, however. A maiden hurdle winner, she was quickly put over fences where she won her first three before a close second in two Grade 1 races. She lost her way last winter and reverts to hurdles on very favourable terms. Kilbree Warrior was in good form throughout last winter and will be suited by the trip and ground but Lady Of The Vale's recent improved form has been over much shorter.
Popova (IRE) 17-2 (11-1) Held up, 4th halfway, closer in 3rd at 6th, ridden into 2nd before 2 out, pressed leader before last, kept on well run-in to challenge, led at post, won at Listowel 2m 4f gd in Sep beating Space Tourist (11-0) by shd, 5 ran.
Kilbree Warrior (IRE) 10-1 (10-11) Pushed along to track leaders, moderate 2nd and reminders halfway, ridden in 3rd 4 out, no extra in 6th entering straight, kept on one pace, 6th of 14, 26 1/4l behind Mighty Tom (11-6) at Killarney 2m 1f hcp lst (1) Good - Yielding in May.
Lady Of The Vale (IRE) 9-1 (10-11) Held up in rear, not fluent jumping, detached when slight mistake 4th, headway to 5th and in touch 3 out, 3rd after 3 out, ridden and no impression after 2 out, mistake last, kept on one pace, 3rd of 7, 4 3/4l behind Magical Zoe (11-7) at Gowran Park 2m lst (1) Soft - Heavy in Sep.
Riviere D'etel (FR) 12-1 (11-3) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, jumped right 5 out, soon pushed along and no impression in rear next, no extra, well behind and pulled up before 2 out, at Punchestown 2m 5f (1) Yielding in Apr.
Space Tourist (IRE) 3-10fav (11-0) Disputed early, tracked leader after 1st, improved to dispute after 3 out, led entering straight, ridden after 2 out, pressed before last, kept on, all out run-in, headed at post, 2nd of 5, shd behind Popova (11-1) at Listowel 2m 4f gd in Sep.
Iriskana (FR) 9-4fav (10-13) Mid-division on outer, slightly hampered before 4 out, ridden and progress before next where not fluent, disputed lead 2 out and led inside final 200 yards, stretched clear close home, won at Roscommon 2m 4f mdn sft in Sep beating Lucky Viv (10-13) by 7 1/2l, 15 ran.
Close Enough (IRE) 9-2 (10-12) Led, mistake 5 out, pushed along and headed before 2 out, ridden and no extra in 2nd before last, dropped to 4th run-in, 4th of 10, 9 3/4l behind Brianna Lily (11-10) at Clonmel 3m hcp sft in Sep.
Emily In Paris (IRE) 7-1 (11-8) Towards rear, 13th halfway, progress into 8th 3 out, pushed along entering straight, soon no extra and kept on one pace from 2 out, 7th of 14, 15 1/2l behind West Is Awake (11-7) at Fairyhouse 3m hcp sft in Oct.
