It's difficult to know what to make of RIVIERE D'ETEL as she's pitched into all-aged company following her demolition job in a Punchestown 3-year-old maiden. Gordon Elliott wouldn't be sending her here unless confident of a big run and she gets plenty of allowances. Willie Mullins runs Ruaille Buaille, who hasn't done as well as expected after landing the odds in a Punchestown maiden in September. Western Run has to concede weight all round following his two victories but he ran well in a tough handicap here last month though Thedevilscoachman looks more of a threat. Noel Meade's charge won bumper and a maiden hurdle before elevated into Grade 1 company at Leopardstown where he was by no means disgraced. Heavy-ground winner Take All looks best of the remainder.
Western Run (IRE) 15-2 (11-10) In rear, progress 4 out, ridden in 8th after 3 out, 7th 2 out, no impression, 5th of 13, 20l behind Jukebox Jive (11-2) at Navan 2m 4f hcp Soft - Heavy in Dec.
Ruaille Buaille (IRE) 10-1 (11-6) Held up in rear, 5th halfway, pushed along after 2 out and some headway to dispute 3rd at last, no impression on principals run-in, kept on one pace, 3rd close home, 3rd of 5, 4 1/4l behind Power Of Pause (11-7) at Punchestown 2m 1f hvy in Dec.
Thedevilscoachman (IRE) 20-1 (11-9) Held up, 6th halfway, slight mistake 2 out, ridden last, no impression entering straight, kept on one pace from over 1f out, 5th of 9, 19 1/4l behind Appreciate It (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m (1) sft in Dec.
Mighty Tom (IRE) 18-1 (11-10) Held up towards rear, ran freely, rapid headway between horses to lead 3rd, headed before 2 out, soon no extra and towards rear when pulled up before last, at Leopardstown 2m hcp Yielding in Dec.
Take All (IRE) 12-1 (11-5) Prominent and disputed briefly 2nd, 2nd halfway, headway to lead before 2 out, pushed along entering straight and headed before last, no extra run-in, 3rd of 20, 8 1/2l behind Dysart Diamond (11-6) at Leopardstown 2m hcp Yielding in Dec.
Visionarian (IRE) 5-2fav (10-12) Prominent, slightly slow 4th, soon raced in 3rd, pushed along approaching straight, effort in 2nd from 2 out, carried slightly right and kept on without matching winner closing stages, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Railway Hurricane (11-7) at Tipperary 2m Soft - Heavy in Oct.
Petrol Head (IRE) 200-1 (11-9) Always towards rear, never a factor, no threat from 3 out, tailed off, 10th of 20, dist behind Gaillard Du Mesnil (11-9) at Leopardstown 2m 4f mdn sft in Dec.
Riviere D'etel (FR) 8-15fav (10-9) Prominent, soon 3rd, a little keen, led approaching 4th, slight mistake 3 out, went on travelling smoothly approaching straight, stayed on well, very easily, won at Punchestown 2m mdn hvy in Dec beating Coventry (11-2) by 12l, 17 ran.
