Meadowview Stables Race

Off time: 19:39 | Winning time: 2m 1.71s

(5)

Aussie Valentine^p,t⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 9-8| J: C O'Donoghue| T: P D Deegan| OR: 87| CD

12/1

Has run several solid races in handicaps this year, but on a lengthy losing run, and not well treated here. Cheekpieces refitted having worn blinkers on latest start.

Form: 233305

(4)

Captain Joy³⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 9-8| J: Ronan Whelan| T: T Collins| OR: 100

12/1

Something of an artificial-surface specialist, all eight wins coming at 7f/1m on polytrack. Not disgraced on return to turf at Naas last time, but others preferred in this line-up.

Form: 18750-3

(2)

Herald The Dawn^t1⁶¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: K J Manning| T: J S Bolger| OR: 106

10/1

Lightly raced since winning Futurity Stakes as a juvenile, although well beaten at the Curragh on belated return last month. Likely to come on for that outing, and worth a market check with a tongue tie fitted for first time.

Form: 127/80-6

(1)

Riven Light²⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: P J Smullen| T: W P Mullins| OR: 105| BF| D

1/5

Didn't pull up any trees over hurdles for current yard, but a revelation when scoring over extended mile at Galway, and unlucky when turned out quickly there last time. Sure to give another good account.

Form: 314/315

Non-Runners

(3)

Gold Spinner⁴

Weight: 9-7| Age: 3

T: G M Lyons J: Colin Keane

Forecasts

Riven Light (1/5), Gold Spinner (6/1), Herald The Dawn (10/1), Aussie Valentine (12/1), Captain Joy (12/1)

RIVEN LIGHT was a little unfortunate not to score back-to-back handicap wins at the Galway Festival, and the return to this trip is very much in his favour, so he's expected to continue his fine recent run. Gold Spinner ran well in the big handicap at the Curragh on Sunday, and could chase the selection home assuming he's recovered from those exertions. Herald The Dawn has been disappointing since contesting the 2016 2000 Guineas, but hasn't had much racing, and can't be dismissed.