St Stephen's Day tips: Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins have strong claims for success

Riviere D’etel can make the most of the allowances she receives from Ferny Hollow at Leopardstown. Picture: Healy Racing

The extremely busy Christmas period starts on Sunday with three meetings, and there is Grade One action in two of those venues. In Leopardstown, the feature is the Grade One Racing Post Novice Chase and Riviere D’etel can make the most of the allowances she receives from Ferny Hollow.

Gordon Elliott’s filly has been deeply impressive in all three outings to date over fences and, while this is her toughest task by far, she remains open to improvement. She has an experience edge over Ferny Hollow, is likely to be ridden to expose any potential chinks in his armour and should prove a tough nut to crack.