GORDON Elliott bagged another treble at Punchestown last Saturday with Riviere D’Etel the star turn in the featured BetVictor Casino Novice Chase.

The four-year-old filly proved too hot to handle for the boys in the Grade 2 contest as the 9/4 shot blew away her rivals with a commanding front-running performance.

Denis O’Regan’s mount jumped particularly well and eased clear before the last to beat 8/11 favourite Cape Gentleman by 21 lengths in the two-miler.

It was another nice winner for owners Noel and Valerie Moran, and Elliott said afterwards: “I thought she was very good. We said we’d let her stride along and use all the allowances.

“There is a mares’ race in Cork in a few weeks time (Grade 2 Lombardstown Chase on December 5th) and there is also a novice chase in Navan (December 18th).

“I wouldn’t rule anything out with her and we’ll keep all our options open.”

Bandit raids

Elliott doubled-up when the Andrew Brown-owned Top Bandit ran out a cosy winner of the BetVictor Rated Novice Hurdle under Davy Russell.

The 2/1 favourite travelled well to take up the running entering the straight and went on before the final flight to record a two-and-a-half-length win over Sit Down Lucy. Stable representative Aidan O’Ryan said afterwards: “He’s a grand horse and is improving away the whole time. I’m sure Gordon will find something similar for him and his future will be over the big ones (fences).”

Sweet Crooner

The Cullentra treble was completed in the concluding bumper when Minella Crooner justified his short price.

David Barnard’s gelding went to post a 2/9 shot and pulled clear down the straight to record a six-and-a-half-length win under Jamie Codd.

The winning rider said afterwards: “It was an ideal opportunity with the small field and him carrying a penalty.

“It’s a bonus to get another bumper with him and the owner David is over so that’s fantastic. I’d imagine he’ll kick on over hurdles now.”

FRENCH Dynamite opened his chasing account with a fine display of jumping in the BetVictor Beginners Chase.

The Mouse Morris-trained gelding went to post an even-money shot after his initial showing over fences, when fifth at Cork last month.

Impressive

Darragh O’Keeffe let his mount roll on in front from the sixth fence and he posted an impressive six-length win over Dewcup.

Morris, who trains the winner for owner Robcour, said: “He has a bit to learn yet but he’s going the right way. He’s not in the Drinmore. It’s very hard to get a winners-of-one and I don’t want to go for a graded race with him just yet.”

Glenquin’s sixth

Glenquin Castle continued a remarkable winning run when landing his sixth race on the bounce in the Conway Piling Handicap Hurdle.

Martin Brassil’s charge has now supplemented three handicap chase wins with a trio of successes over timber.

Mark Walsh delivered the 9/2 shot with a late surge as the J.P. McManus-owned gelding got up to beat Final Orders by three-quarters of a length in the three-miler.

“I think more than anything else he has started to enjoy his racing a lot more and he’s probably getting confidence from getting his head in front each time,” said Brassil.

“I’m delighted to have him because he’s a pet in the yard and anyone can ride him. He’s lovely to have around the place.”

LUNAR Power has come good with a vengeance in the last month and followed up an easy win on the flat last month with an equally impressive victory back over timer in the three-year-old hurdle.

Bryan Cooper, in the colours of Patricia Hunt, made virtually all and the 6/4 shot stretched clear turning for home to beat Iberique Du Seuil by four and three-quarter lengths.

Trainer Noel Meade said: “He jumps well and there is no reason he can’t compete with them in the better juvenile races. He has an engine and he stays well.”

Dusty Sheehy is also excited to see what Captain Conby can do in a higher grade after his victory in the two-mile-three maiden hurdle.

Captain improving

The Conduit gelding went to post a 66/1 shot but the result was no surprise to connections. Kevin Sexton came with a late surge to record a half-length win in a bunch finish.

Sheehy, who trains the four-year-old for Noel O’Reilly, said: “I think he’s a graded horse, he’s only 80% ready. We’ll look for a novice hurdle now. It’s a long time since I had a lad as good as this so I’ll have to try and mind him.”