Tipps

Forecast:

2.25 STATE MAN (FR); 3.00 HERCULE DU SEUIL (FR); 7.00 HIAOU (FR); 8.00 MUSIC OF TARA; 10.00 DARTINGTON (IRE); FIGUREHEAD (IRE); WATCH HOUSE CROSS (IRE); 11.00 AND BETTER OTHERS.

Preview:

STATE MAN can get the Leopardstown Christmas Festival meeting off to a good start for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend. The half-brother to stablemate and recent Royal Bond Novice Hurdle winner Statuaire beat all bar Busselton - Grade 1 placed over hurdles and successful three times over fences - on his only start at Auteuil last year. The other Mullins runner Hercule Du Seuil has a similar profile and it will be interesting to see how strong they are in the betting market. Jack Kennedy makes a welcome return aboard Hiaou and the son of Saddler Maker also made a promising start when third to Eric Bloodaxe in a Naas maiden hurdle.

Horse comments:

Horse	Comment
1 - BRIGHT IDEA (IRE)	50-1 (12-0) Always towards rear, never a factor, tailed off, 12th of 18, well behind Dysart Dynamo (12-0) at Cork 2m mdn hdl sft
2 - DARTINGTON (IRE)	3-1 (9-0) Keen in touch, headway to track leaders 4f out, pushed along 3f out, ridden and weakened entering final furlong, 6th of 10, 5l behind Neenee's Choice (9-7) at Newbury 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gs in Sep (flat)
3 - FIGUREHEAD (IRE)	4-1 (11-4) Tracked leader, led at 1st, headed after 3rd, 2nd before 4th, closed after 4 out, slight mistake 3 out, soon 3rd, slightly hampered 2 out, kept on same pace in 2nd run-in, not trouble winner, 2nd of 20, 7l behind Crowns Major (11-9) at Cork 2m 4yo mdn hdl sft in Oct
4 - FLAMING MOON (IRE)	14-1 (12-0) Chased leaders, pushed along in 4th when pecked slightly 3 out, ridden and no impression in 3rd before next, kept on one pace, 3rd of 18, 24l behind Dysart Dynamo (12-0) at Cork 2m mdn hdl sft
5 - GOLDEN SANDBANKS	50-1 (9-9) Rear of mid-division, never a factor, towards rear entering straight, no impression when carried right 1f out, kept on one pace, 11th of 13, 13l behind Lord Mczie (9-0) at Dundalk 1m 3f hcap pol (flat)
6 - HERCULE DU SEUIL (FR)	3-1 (10-7) 2nd of 7, shd behind Harowa (10-12) at Strasbourg(FR) 2m 1f 3yo hdl sft in Oct '20
7 - HEY JOHNNY (IRE)	9-2 (11-2) Made all, raced slow pace until quickened gradually 4f out, ridden 2f out, strongly pressed inside final furlong, stayed on well close home, won at Punchestown 2m 4yo NH flat gd in Oct beating Alquinto (10-9) by 1/2l, 4 ran
8 - HIAOU (FR)	14-1 (12-0) Chased leader, 6th before 6th, progress before 4 out, travelled well into 3rd before 2 out, no impression on leaders before last where slight mistake, one paced, 3rd of 14, 12l behind Eric Bloodaxe (12-0) at Naas 2m 3f mdn hdl in Nov
9 - HOMARD DE CHAUSEY (FR)	Crillon gelding out of Palpitante.
10 - HUCKLEBERRY ROCK (IRE)	150-1 (11-9) Rear of mid-division, no threat from 3 out, soon no extra, kept on one pace, never a factor, 10th of 23, well behind Hawai Game (11-9) at Naas 2m 3f 4yo mdn hdl
11 - MADE FOR MINDS (IRE)	4-1 (10-3) Soon prominent, chased leader after 2f, 3rd halfway, ridden and no extra 3f out, 21st of 22, well behind Yamato (8-10) at Navan 1m 6f hcap in Oct (flat)
12 - MARVEL DE CERISY (FR)	5-1 (12-0) Tracked leaders, ridden and weakened before 3 out, behind when pulled up before next, in a race won by Dysart Dynamo (12-0) at Cork 2m mdn hdl sft, 18 ran
13 - MONEY HEIST (IRE)	50-1 (11-9) Always towards rear, never a factor, 18th of 21, well behind Au Fleuron (11-9) at Navan 2m 4yo mdn hdl
14 - SHINING AITCH	9-2 (9-8) Held up off the pace towards rear, headway chasing leaders stayed on, won at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) in Oct beating Ritchie Valens (9-12) by 3/4l, 13 ran (flat)
15 - SPHAGNUM (IRE)	10-1 (11-11) Rr of mid-div best, 8th 1/2way, mstk 11th, wknd to 10th & rr aftr 3out, no ex & pu bef 2out, in a race won by Kalanisi Star (11-11) at Corbeagh House 3m ire ptp sft, 11 ran
16 - STATE MAN (FR)	12-1 (10-5) 2nd of 20, 2l behind Busselton (10-5) at Auteuil(FR) 1m 7f Listed hdl 3yo sft in May '20
17 - TALLON (IRE)	25-1 (11-2) Chased leader in 2nd, improved to lead over 4f out, ridden and headed from 3f out, soon no extra and weakened, 6th of 13, 16l behind Ballycoose (11-6) at Down Royal 2m in May
18 - TEED UP (IRE)	6-1 (9-6) Mid-division early, dropped towards rear and 10th from halfway, pushed along from 3f out and soon ridden, no impression in centre of track from over 1f out, 12th of 13, 18l behind Yafordadoe (9-2) at Tipperary 1m 1f hcap in Oct (flat)
19 - WATCH HOUSE CROSS (IRE)	(11-11) Made all & jw, 2 1/2l adv from 5th, 4l adv & gd jmp 2out, gng best bef last, kow flat, won at Dromahane 3m ire ptp gs in May beating Garcon Dargent (11-11) by 5l, 9 ran
20 - WHATSAVAILABLE (IRE)	5-1 (11-9) Disputed lead early, not fluent 5th, 2nd halfway, disputed lead and slight mistake 4 out, pushed along and headed entering straight, ridden and kept on, no extra run-in, 6th of 21, 3 1/2l behind Captain Conby (11-9) at Punchestown 2m 3f 4yo mdn hdl in Nov

Tipps

Forecast:

0.67 SIR GERHARD (IRE); 4.00 GOVEN (FR); 6.00 WHOWONTHETOSS (IRE); 7.00 ASH TREE MEADOW (FR); 10.00 MEET AND GREET (IRE); 11.00 AND BETTER OTHERS.

Preview:

SIR GERHARD is likely to be all the rage on his hurdling debut. An impressive point-to-point winner before being snapped up for 400,000 pounds, the Jeremy gelding was a top-class bumper performer last season winning three times including the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival. A clear round of jumping should see him make a winning start over hurdles. Willie Mullins has another interesting contender in the shape of Goven, who won both starts in France last year. Meet And Greet won a bumper at this venue in the spring and finished well when switched to hurdles on his reappearance at Naas last month, while point-to-point winner Ash Tree Meadow was also placed on his hurdles debut at Fairyhouse. Whowonthetoss is another for the shortlist.

Horse comments:

Horse	Comment
1 - ASH TREE MEADOW (FR)	11-1 (12-0) Tracked leaders in 3rd, pulled hard, mistake 1st, pushed along in 4th 2 out, soon ridden and no impression on leaders, kept on without threatening in 3rd inside final furlong, 3rd of 15, 5l behind Gringo D'aubrelle (12-0) at Fairyhouse 2m mdn hdl gd in Nov
2 - BRIGHT FLAME (IRE)	250-1 (11-7) Always towards rear, never a factor, slight mistake 4 out and detached before next, weakened, completely tailed off, last of 14, well behind Gordon Dai Dai (11-7) at Clonmel 2m 3f amat mdn hdle
3 - CORBIN (IRE)	22-1 (11-7) Mid-division on outer, 6th halfway, pushed along and dropped towards rear approaching straight, weakened, 15th of 16, well behind Whiskeywealth (12-0) at Clonmel 2m mdn hdl
4 - DON'T TELL ALLEN (IRE)	5-2 (12-0) Soon tracked leaders, 3rd approaching halfway, on terms approaching straight, soon headed, no extra from over 2f out, 4th of 11, 30l behind Barbary Master (11-7) at Navan 2m NH flat hvy in Mar '20
5 - FERRUM	250-1 (11-7) Always behind, never a factor, 20th of 22, well behind Grand Jury (12-0) at Punchestown 2m mdn hdl in Nov
6 - GOVEN (FR)	(10-1) won at Nantes(FR) 1m 4f NHF sft in Nov '20 beating Graal D'aubois (10-3) by 2l, 9 ran
7 - GRAIN DE FOLIE (FR)	12-1 (11-9) Rear of mid-division, mid-division at halfway, ridden 6f out, weakened, last of 15, well behind Lahinch Three (11-9) at Kilbeggan 2m NH flat gd in Jun
8 - HAPPAUGUE (IRE)	18-1 (12-0) Always towards rear, bad mistake 1st, no danger from 4 out, never a factor, 13th of 15, well behind Still Standing (12-0) at Gowran Park 2m mdn hdl gd in Oct
9 - HIGHLAND CHARGE (IRE)	7-2 (12-0) Tracked leaders, pushed along in close 2nd when left 2nd 2 out, soon ridden and no impression on winner, kept on same pace in 2nd inside final furlong, 2nd of 17, 8l behind The Goffer (12-0) at Navan 2m 4f mdn hdl
10 - KINCH (IRE)	80-1 (8-10) Tracked leaders, mid-division halfway, pushed along approaching straight, ridden on inner 2f out and soon no extra, 13th of 14, 10l behind Mulgrave (10-5) at Dundalk 1m hcap pol (flat)
11 - KUDBEGOOD (IRE)	4-1fav (10-0) Rear of mid-division, headway travelling well on outer under 2f out, ridden to go 2nd 150 yards out, no impression on winner closing stages, 2nd of 14, 1 1/2l behind Indiana Grey (9-3) at Dundalk 1m hcap pol (flat)
12 - MACHINE LEARNER	40-1 (11-7) Pushed along early and detached in rear, not fluent 4th, some headway in 9th 3 out, 8th and slight mistake next, soon no extra, 8th of 14, 45l behind Gordon Dai Dai (11-7) at Clonmel 2m 3f amat mdn hdle
13 - MEET AND GREET (IRE)	14-1 (11-11) Chased leader, 6th after 4th, took closer order 2 out, soon ridden, kept on in 3rd run-in, never nearer, 3rd of 22, 4l behind Uhtred (12-0) at Naas 2m mdn hdl in Nov
14 - MOULANE WEST (IRE)	2-1fav (11-7) Close up, mistake 1st and lost position, some slight mistakes after, 5th at 5th, effort straight, kept on without matching front pair run-in, 3rd of 10, 2l behind Choir Practice (11-7) at Listowel 2m mdn hdl gd in Sep
15 - MR MACPHISTO (IRE)	Sageburg gelding out of Oscar Orthez.
16 - NO TROUBLE (IRE)	250-1 (11-9) Always towards rear, never a factor, reminder after 4 out and detached next, soon pulled up, in a race won by Gaillard Du Mesnil (11-9) at Leopardstown 2m 4f 4yo mdn hdl sft in Dec '20, 20 ran
17 - SILVERSTRAND (IRE)	66-1 (8-13) Mid-division, 10th halfway, pushed along 4f out, ridden and no impression 2f out, kept on one pace, 13th of 15, 10l behind Anyonecanhaveitall (9-7) at Thurles 2m hcap in Oct (flat)
18 - SIR GERHARD (IRE)	5-6fav (12-2) Chased leaders, moderate 3rd halfway, closer 6f out, challenged on outer 4f out, ridden in 2nd over 2f out, no extra 1f out, dropped to 3rd inside final furlong and kept on one pace, 3rd of 8, 7l behind Kilcruit (12-2) at Punchestown 2m G1 NH flat (1) in Apr
19 - WHOWONTHETOSS (IRE)	8-1 (11-13) Mid-division, 8th halfway, headway after 3 out and close up when not fluent next, 2nd and ridden when hampered at last, kept on one pace run-in, 2nd of 16, 3/4l behind M C Muldoon (12-0) at Fairyhouse 2m mdn hdl hvy in Feb
20 - RHYME'N RHYTHM (IRE)	300-1 (10-7) Always towards rear, bad mistake 2nd, never a factor, 14th of 15, well behind El Barra (12-0) at Punchestown 2m nh nov hdl in Apr

Tipps

Forecast:

0.67 FIL DOR (FR); 3.00 LUNAR POWER (IRE); 5.50 BRITZKA (IRE); 11.00 AND BETTER OTHERS.

Preview:

FIL DOR was wildly impressive on his hurdling debut in a Down Royal maiden and the form of that race has worked out well since with the runner-up Sea Sessions landing a Listed race at Aintree. The Gordon Elliott-trained juvenile took the step up to Grade 3 level in his stride when accounting for Lunar Power at Fairyhouse, with the pair stretching clear of the remainder. He can confirm the places over Lunar Power, successful twice this year on the Flat, including at this venue, and also over hurdles at Punchestown. The selection's stablemate Britzka made a winning start over hurdles when drawing clear on the run-in to beat Scenic Look at Fairyhouse, while Calvados and Six Feet Apart both appear held having finished behind Sea Sessions at Aintree.

Horse comments:

Horse	Comment
1 - FIL DOR (FR)	4-7fav (10-11) In touch, 3rd before 5th, closed 2 out, challenged leader last, led narrowly final 100 yards, kept on best, won at Fairyhouse 2m 3yo hdl Grd 3 (1) gd in Nov beating Lunar Power (10-11) by 1 1/4l, 8 ran
2 - BRITZKA (IRE)	9-4 (11-2) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, ridden entering straight, stayed on into 2nd 2 out, led before last, slight mistake last, kept on well run-in, won at Fairyhouse 2m 3yo mdn hdl beating Scenic Look (10-2) by 6l, 14 ran
3 - LUNAR POWER (IRE)	3-1 (10-11) Tracked leader, led after 2nd, headed before 5th, travelled well to lead before 2 out, pressed last, ridden and headed final 100 yards, not match winner, 2nd of 8, 1 1/4l behind Fil Dor (10-11) at Fairyhouse 2m 3yo hdl Grd 3 (1) gd in Nov
4 - REBEL STEP (USA)	9-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, bumped at 3rd, ridden in 3rd when fell 2 out, in a race won by Ben Siegel (11-2) at Punchestown 2m 3yo mdn hdl in Nov, 20 ran
5 - CALVADOS (IRE)	10-1 (10-12) Handy, not much room approaching 2 out, ridden and switched right after 2 out, pressed leader before last, good jump and led after last, stayed on well but headed final 110 yards, 2nd of 9, 2 1/4l behind Sea Sessions (10-12) at Aintree 2m 1f Lstd fills juv hdl (1) sft
6 - SCENIC LOOK (IRE)	7-1 (10-2) Chased leaders, 2nd halfway, disputed after 4 out, led before next, ridden before 2 out, headed before last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 14, 6l behind Britzka (11-2) at Fairyhouse 2m 3yo mdn hdl
7 - SIX FEET APART (IRE)	6-1 (10-12) Close up in 4th, ridden before 2 out, hit 2 out, stayed on but not pace to challenge leaders, 4th of 9, 6l behind Sea Sessions (10-12) at Aintree 2m 1f Lstd fills juv hdl (1) sft

Tipps

Forecast:

5.50 MARVEL FAN (FR); 6.50 BANBRIDGE (IRE); 7.00 CULLAGHS STAR (IRE); 7.50 HAMUNDARSON (IRE); 10.00 MIND YOUR MONEY; 11.00 AND BETTER OTHERS.

Preview:

MARVEL FAN won over fences in France but hadn't shown much for current connections until causing a 40/1 shock by beating Cullaghs Star over this trip at Gowran Park last month. Maxine O'Sullivan now claims a valuable 5lb and she can confirm places off her revised mark. Lucky Tenner came up against a useful sort when runner-up to Dysart Dynamo in a Cork maiden last time, while Mind Your Money is another to consider having beaten all bar the front-running Mighty Tom at Thurles last Sunday. Aragon caught the eye in a Navan maiden last spring and, having been badly hampered when reappearing at Down Royal, is one to note on handicap debut. Mare Quimby and Trebizond both appear to be on competitive marks.

Horse comments:

Horse	Comment
1 - BANBRIDGE (IRE)	11-4 (11-11) Chased leaders and 2nd from halfway, dropped to 4th 2 out where not fluent and soon pushed along, no extra and kept on same pace from before last, 4th of 10, 14l behind M C Muldoon (11-8) at Galway 2m 5f nh nov hdl gd in Jul
2 - HAMUNDARSON (IRE)	10-3 (12-0) Chased leader, 2nd halfway, ridden 3 out, stayed on to lead next, asserted before last where slight mistake, kept on well run-in, won at Cork 2m mdn hdl sft in Nov beating Minella Cocooner (12-0) by 2 3/4l, 16 ran
3 - EASCA PEASCA (IRE)	25-1 (10-1) Prominent, slight mistake at 2nd, dropped to 7th before 6th, headway 4 out, under pressure before 2 out, lost place and weakened quickly after 2 out, 14th of 18, 23l behind Gua Du Large (10-5) at Fairyhouse 2m hcp hdl gd in Nov
4 - THE NAMES JOCK (IRE)	14-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, rear of mid-division after 3 out and mistake next, kept on one pace, never a factor, 6th of 13, 17l behind Mighty Tom (11-7) at Thurles 2m hcp hdl
5 - FERDIA (IRE)	6-1 (11-2) Mid-division, some headway into 5th halfway, pushed along and no impression in mid-division after 3 out, no extra, 8th of 13, 23l behind Mighty Tom (11-7) at Thurles 2m hcp hdl
6 - LUCKY TENNER (IRE)	14-1 (12-0) Tracked leaders, raced keenly, went 2nd entering straight, ridden and no impression on winner before 2 out, kept on one pace, 2nd of 18, 19l behind Dysart Dynamo (12-0) at Cork 2m mdn hdl sft
7 - CLONBURY BRIDGE (IRE)	18-1 (11-0) Mid-division, slight mistake 3 out and ridden, soon no impression, 6th of 8, 19l behind Chemical Energy (11-4) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f nov hdle gd in Nov
8 - PYTHION (FR)	20-1 (11-3) Mid-division, took closer order 4 out, ridden and no extra 3 out, 10th of 16, well behind Lucky Max (11-0) at Cork 2m hcp hdl sft
9 - MR JACKMAN (IRE)	10-1 (11-7) Held up towards rear, ridden and no impression 3 out, kept on one pace, 10th of 16, 15l behind Gain De Cause (10-6) at Punchestown 2m 3f hcp hdl
10 - BUZZ LIGHT (IRE)	40-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, ridden entering straight, weakened, 9th of 13, well behind Futurum Regem (9-10) at Navan 2m 6f hcp hdl 81-130 gd in Nov
11 - CULLAGHS STAR (IRE)	11-4 (11-10) Rear of mid-division, not fluent at 1st, 6th halfway, good headway after 3 out, led narrowly 2 out, ridden and headed last where not fluent, kept on same pace, 2nd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Marvel Fan (11-1) at Gowran Park 2m nov hcp hdl in Nov
12 - SON OF HYPNOS (IRE)	12-1 (11-0) Led, joined entering straight, ridden and headed before 2 out, 7th at last, weakened, 9th of 11, 19l behind Easca Peasca (10-12) at Navan 2m hcp hdl gd in Nov
13 - THE GREEK (IRE)	13-2 (11-4) Settled behind leaders, 6th halfway, ridden before straight, no impression 2 out, moderate 4th last, kept on one pace, 4th of 13, 8l behind It'sallabouteve (11-7) at Limerick 2m cond mdn hdle in Nov
14 - SALAMANCA BAY (IRE)	13-8fav (12-0) Tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, 2nd and not fluent 3 out, pushed along and challenged next, soon ridden, under pressure and edged left run-in, kept on one pace, 2nd of 16, 1l behind Whiskeywealth (12-0) at Clonmel 2m mdn hdl
15 - TREBIZOND	85-40fav (11-9) Chased leader, dropped to 8th halfway, effort before 2 out, 4th at last, ran on well run-in to lead close home, won at Roscommon 1m 7f 4yo mdn hdl gd in Sep beating Custers Mistake (11-9) by hd, 17 ran
16 - ANDYS FLAME	125-1 (11-7) Towards rear, rear of mid-division when slightly hampered 6th, headway into 5th 3 out, ridden in 6th next, no impression, 5th of 15, 14l behind Gringo D'aubrelle (12-0) at Fairyhouse 2m mdn hdl gd in Nov
17 - HIDDEN LAND (USA)	40-1 (10-7) Towards rear, some headway on outer approaching 3 out, no impression in mid-division from 2 out, not fluent last, kept on one pace, 8th of 18, 16l behind Autumn Evening (11-6) at Listowel 2m hcp hdl in Sep
18 - MARE QUIMBY (IRE)	11-2 (11-10) Mid-division, moderate 8th after 6th, headway travelling well after 3 out, mistake in 4th 2 out and last, kept on same pace, 4th of 16, 4l behind Influential Lady (11-1) at Gowran Park 2m 4f mrs hcp hdl in Nov
19 - MARVEL FAN (FR)	40-1 (11-1) Towards rear, 7th halfway, headway before 2 out, improved to lead narrowly last, ran on strongly, eased close home, won at Gowran Park 2m nov hcp hdl in Nov beating Cullaghs Star (11-10) by 2 1/2l, 9 ran
20 - INGENIOUS STROKE (IRE)	11-1 (10-13) Soon led, joined 7th, headed 3 out, soon pushed along and lost place approaching straight, weakened, 9th of 14, well behind Gordon Dai Dai (11-7) at Clonmel 2m 3f amat mdn hdle

Tipps

Forecast:

0.67 FERNY HOLLOW (IRE); 1.63 RIVIERE D'ETEL (FR); 11.00 AND BETTER OTHERS.

Preview:

RIVIERE D'ETEL has hardly put a foot wrong in winning all three chase starts this term. The daughter of Martaline was particularly impressive when slamming Cape Gentleman in a Grade 2 at Punchestown last month and again jumped well from the front when following up in a Grade 3 at Navan. Ferny Hollow is a high-class rival. He won the Cheltenham Festival Bumper in 2020 and beat none other than Bob Olinger on his only hurdle start at Gowran Park. The Westerner gelding was absent for over a year until making a successful switch to fences at Punchestown, beating Coeur Sublime, a Grade 2 winner over hurdles, by an ultimately comfortable four lengths. The concession of 13lb to the slick jumping selection may prove a tough task. Gallant John Joe has been placed behind some smart types but reappears after a lengthy layoff.

Horse comments:

Horse	Comment
1 - COEUR SUBLIME (IRE)	13-2 (12-0) Settled behind leaders, closer in 4th halfway, progress into 2nd 3 out, disputed before next, ridden to lead narrowly after 2 out, headed last, kept on same pace run-in, 2nd of 15, 4l behind Ferny Hollow (12-0) at Punchestown 2m 1f beg chs
2 - FERNY HOLLOW (IRE)	8-15fav (12-0) Led, slight mistake 2nd and mistake 5th, joined before 2 out, ridden and narrowly headed after 2 out, rallied to lead again last, kept on well run-in, won at Punchestown 2m 1f beg chs beating Coeur Sublime (12-0) by 4l, 15 ran
3 - GALLANT JOHN JOE (IRE)	11-10fav (11-2) Tracked leaders in 4th, not fluent 9th, 3rd and slight mistake 3 out, improved to dispute lead travelling well 2 out, soon led, ridden and strongly pressed at last, joined inside final furlong, headed and dropped to 3rd close home, 3rd of 6, 3/4l behind Royal Rendezvous (11-2) at Naas 2m 4f nov chs Grd 3 (1) sft in Mar '20
4 - GRAND BORNAND (FR)	4-1 (12-0) Disputed, 2nd at 3rd, disputed at 6th, led at 7th, not fluent and pecked at 8th, soon headed, disputed 3 out, left clear after last, kept on well, eased closing stages, won at Galway 2m 2f beg chs gd in Jul beating Busselton (11-2) by 6l, 7 ran
5 - ZOFFANIEN (IRE)	33-1 (11-8) Mid-division, 5th halfway, 7th when slight mistake 4 out, in touch when fell 2 out, in a race won by Capodanno (12-0) at Naas 2m 3f beg chs, 15 ran
6 - RIVIERE D'ETEL (FR)	1-4fav (10-11) Made all, went clear from 3 out, niggled along run-in, stayed on strongly, easily, won at Navan 2m 1f nov chs (1) beating Take All (11-2) by 12l, 6 ran

Tipps

Forecast:

4.50 EXIT POLL (IRE); 5.50 FAN DE BLUES (FR); 8.00 GOLDEN JEWEL (IRE); ZARKAREVA (FR); 10.00 BORN BY THE SEA (IRE); DEFAN; GRANGE WALK (IRE); 11.00 AND BETTER OTHERS.

Preview:

GOLDEN JEWEL has gained all three wins over hurdles and while without a victory in over three and a half years, has run well here in the last two renewals of the valuable Ladbrokes Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival. The Eddie Cawley-trained gelding has shaped well recently over fences including when racing from 3lb out of the handicap proper in the Navan event won by Conflated, with Winter Escape six lengths adrift in third. Grange Walk has been competitive in similar handicaps lately and had Benefit Run back in third when going down by a length to the front-running Dunvegan at Fairyhouse. Fan De Blues generally jumps well and may prove more of a threat than Take All, no match for Riviere D'etel on his latest two starts.

Horse comments:

Horse	Comment
1 - EXIT POLL (IRE)	7-4 (11-10) Led, headed at 7th, 2nd and slight mistake 3 out, soon ridden, 3rd entering straight, kept on one pace from 2 out, 3rd of 6, 11l behind Embittered (11-3) at Punchestown 2m 3f nov chs (1) gd in Oct
2 - FAN DE BLUES (FR)	6-4fav (11-10) Close up, bumped at 1st, 3rd after 3rd, improved to 2nd at 10th, led before 3 out, pressed 2 out, joined last, headed and no extra closing stages, 2nd of 7, 4l behind Bois De Clamart (10-4) at Gowran Park 2m 4f hcap ch sft in Nov
3 - BORN BY THE SEA (IRE)	16-1 (10-1) Soon chased leaders, 7th after 10th, 8th into straight, kept on without matching principals from 2 out, 5th of 18, 6l behind Assemble (10-10) at Listowel 3m hcap ch gd in Sep
4 - TAKE ALL (IRE)	14-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders early, went 2nd from 3rd, ridden and no impression on winner after 3 out, kept on same pace run-in, not trouble easy winner, 2nd of 6, 12l behind Riviere D'etel (10-11) at Navan 2m 1f nov chs (1)
5 - ZARKAREVA (FR)	6-1 (11-7) Chased leaders on outer, on terms 4th, led 8th, joined 3 out, pushed along before next where slight mistake, soon ridden, mistake and headed last, no impression, kept on same pace, 2nd of 9, 1l behind Defan (10-0) at Listowel 2m 1f hcap ch in Sep
6 - TIGER VOICE (FR)	9-2fav (11-3) Mid-division, ridden and no impression on outer 2 out, no extra from last, 12th of 20, 34l behind Abbey Magic (11-9) at Galway 2m 2f hcap ch gd in Jul
7 - WINTER ESCAPE (IRE)	12-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, 4th 3 out, soon ridden, no impression on leaders in 3rd 2 out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 10, 11l behind Conflated (11-5) at Navan 2m 4f hcap ch
8 - COACH CARTER (IRE)	9-4 (11-12) Tracked clear leader, not fluent at 8th, no impression on winner after 4 out, kept on same pace in moderate 2nd, last of 2, 42l behind Busselton (11-2) at Cork 2m 4f nov chs gd in Oct
9 - GRANGE WALK (IRE)	18-1 (10-3) In rear, not fluent at 1st and briefly pushed along, 8th 3 out, headway into 4th and ridden 2 out, went 2nd after last, strongly pressed winner inside final furlong, kept on same pace close home, 2nd of 10, 1l behind Dunvegan (11-1) at Fairyhouse 2m hcap ch gd in Nov
10 - SOVIET PIMPERNEL (IRE)	7-2fav (11-10) Held up towards rear, progress 3 out, left disputing 4th 2 out, ridden in 5th and no impression before last, kept on one pace, 5th of 12, 18l behind Arahecan (11-4) at Fairyhouse 2m hcap ch
11 - BENEFIT RUN (IRE)	18-1 (9-12) Rear of mid-division, closer in 6th 3 out, ridden in 6th 2 out, 4th at last, went 3rd inside final furlong, kept on without threatening, 3rd of 10, 6l behind Dunvegan (11-1) at Fairyhouse 2m hcap ch gd in Nov
12 - GOLDEN JEWEL (IRE)	5-1 (9-12) In touch in rear, headway after 4 out, went 4th 2 out, soon ridden, 2nd before last, kept on without threatening winner, 2nd of 10, 5l behind Conflated (11-5) at Navan 2m 4f hcap ch
13 - DEFAN	4-1 (11-7) Disputed lead, bumped 2nd, led 3 out, travelling well next, ridden and pressed before last, narrow lead when hampered by loose horse and blundered badly at last, not recover and weakened run-in, 9th of 13, 13l behind All The Chimneys (10-13) at Thurles 2m 2f hcap ch in Nov
14 - INGLEBY MACKENZIE	15-2 (11-4) Led from 1st, headed 4th, led again from 8th, ridden bypassing 3 out, headed 2 out, no impression, 5th of 9, 7l behind Espion Du Chenet (10-8) at Down Royal 2m hcap ch sft in Oct

Tipps

Forecast:

2.25 FACILE VEGA (IRE); 4.50 HARRY DES ONGRAIS (FR); 5.00 TENZING (IRE); 6.00 LANDRAKE; 8.00 COOL SURVIVOR (IRE); 11.00 AND BETTER OTHERS.

Preview:

FACILE VEGA represents the champion trainer and certainly catches the eye on pedigree. The Walk In The Park gelding is out of the record-breaking Quevega who provided the same connections with many memorable days and has already produced a winner in Princess Vega. Cool Survivor was sold for 175,000 pounds after winning a point-to-point last spring but ran into a useful sort when beaten at odds-on in a Punchestown bumper last month, while Harry Des Ongrais and So Scottish are other point-to-point winners to put on the shortlist. Joyeux Machin led when falling two out on his only point start, while Landrake and Sizing Mauritius are two newcomers to note from leading yards.

Horse comments:

Horse	Comment
1 - ALL FOR RACHEL (IRE)	25-1 (11-1) Towards rear, pushed along 4f out, no impression in rear of mid-division approaching straight, no extra, 14th of 22, well behind Adamantly Chosen (10-13) at Punchestown 2m NH flat in Apr
2 - BARTY'S CALL (IRE)	Let The Lion Roar gelding out of Alabama Baby.
3 - CAPTAIN LIGHTFOOT (IRE)	16-1 (11-2) Chased leader, 6th halfway, progress over 2f out, ridden in 4th 1 1/2f out, no impression on leaders, kept on one pace in 3rd under 1f out, 3rd of 12, 16l behind The Big Doyen (11-9) at Roscommon 1m 7f 4yo NH flat gd in Sep
4 - COOL SURVIVOR (IRE)	8-11fav (11-2) Keen, disputed lead early, soon led, joined 3f out, headed into straight, soon no extra, 2nd of 5, 15l behind The Big Doyen (11-9) at Punchestown 2m 4yo NH flat in Nov
5 - DIAMOND UNION	Casamento gelding out of Ribbons And Bows.
6 - FACILE VEGA (IRE)	Walk In The Park gelding out of Quevega.
7 - GENERAL MAXIMUS	Maxios gelding out of Enterprising.
8 - HARRY DES ONGRAIS (FR)	(11-11) Mid-div, cl 3rd 6out, disp next, ld aftr 2out & asserted with 6l adv bef last where awkward, kow, won at Fairyhouse 3m ire ptp gd in Apr beating Watch House Cross (11-11) by 10l, 6 ran
9 - JOYEUX MACHIN (FR)	(11-11) Twrds rr, 5th 1/2way, gd jump 4out to go 4th, ld aftr 3out gng well, sl adv when mstk & fell 2out, in a race won by A Fortune Out West (11-11) at Punchestown 3m ire ptp in May, 8 ran
10 - LANDRAKE	Martaline gelding out of Gabriella Rose.
11 - MAGNETIC PULSE (IRE)	16-1 (11-11) Mid-division, pushed along after 3 out and lost place entering straight, weakened, 14th of 16, well behind Whiskeywealth (12-0) at Clonmel 2m mdn hdl
12 - MOUNT BROWN (IRE)	4-1 (11-9) Mid-division, took keen hold, closer in 4th 4f out, ridden in 3rd 2f out, soon no impression, 5th of 9, 27l behind Gringo D'aubrelle (12-2) at Navan 2m NH flat gd in Nov
13 - SIZING MAURITIUS (IRE)	Martaline gelding out of Beau Bridget.
14 - SO SCOTTISH (FR)	2-1 (11-11) Chsd ldr, jmpd left at times, cl 3rd aftr 3out, prog to 2nd well bef 2out, disp when left clr 2out, kow, won at Corbeagh House 3m ire ptp sft beating Prince Zaltar (11-11) by 4l, 11 ran
15 - STONEHALL (IRE)	Elusive Pimpernel gelding out of Hagawi.
16 - TENZING (IRE)	Milan gelding out of Francesa.
17 - TOOR MOON (IRE)	100-1 (11-2) Rear of mid-division, pushed along and no impression towards rear under 4f out, ridden and kept on one pace in straight, never a factor, 11th of 17, 24l behind Esperti (11-9) at Listowel 2m 4yo NH flat in Sep