'She worked well the other morning' - can Riviere D'Etel continue winning ways?

Saturday: 1.43 Navan
Irish Stallion Farms EBF Klairon Davis Novice Chase (Grade 3) | 2m1f | 4yo+ | RTV

Gordon Elliott has won three of the last four runnings and will fancy his chances of adding to his haul with the exciting Riviere D'Etel.

Unbeaten over fences, the filly has won her two chase starts by a combined 32 lengths. Her Grade 2 win at Punchestown last time was in a very quick time and that form was set to be franked in the Drinmore at Fairyhouse last Sunday only for Cape Gentleman to come down four out. Riviere D'Etel beat him by 21 lengths.

Riviere D'Etel wears a hood and likes to get on with it so expect Denis O'Regan to point her in the right direction and let her roll.

However, she was rated only 133 over hurdles and Dreal Deal was officially 11lb better than her. He won six races in a row (Flat and jumps) between September 2020 and January this year, and don't forget he had subsequent Grade 1 winner Echoes In Rain back in fourth when winning the Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle at Punchestown. He has a touch of class and looks like he could make a real name for himself over fences.

Dancing On My Own beat Buddy Rich at Killarney and that form is none too shabby, while Embittered has valuable experience. He boasts an official rating of 141 after 11 starts over fences, but has 29 lengths to make up on Riviere D'Etel from their clash at Punchestown last month, although he is 8lb better off.

This race revolves around Riviere D'Etel. Getting all the allowances as a four-year-old filly, she should be hard to catch. If she is caught, Dreal Deal could be the one to reel her in.

What they say

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Embittered
He's in good shape. It look a competitive race, but I'd like to think he has a decent each-way chance.

Ronan McNally, trainer of Dreal Deal
It'll be good to get him started and he's very natural over a fence. He'll improve a good bit for the run, but this isn't his Gold Cup and if he put in a clear round and nicked some prize-money we'd be delighted.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Riviere D'Etel and Hurricane Georgie
I always thought Riviere D'Etel would make a nice chaser and she's taken to it really well. She worked well the other morning and we're very happy with her. Hurricane Georgie is consistent and rarely runs a bad race. She was second at Fairyhouse last Sunday and seems to be in good form.

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