Based on the given ratings, the top five horses in the Membership At Gowran Park Golf Club Handicap (47-65) (Div 1) are:

1. Rocky Dreams
2. Flier
3. Stay Local (IRE)
4. Everylittlestep (IRE)
5. Wrist Art (IRE)

Detailed analysis and assessment of these top contenders are as follows:

1. Rocky Dreams: This horse tops the list with a rating of 256. It’s a prolific Dundalk AW winner and the ground to suit, but the trip seems to stretch him. In its latest run at Dundalk, it finished eighth of 12 in the handicap, and this time, it is significantly moving back up in trip. While its past performance is commendable, the current distance could be a challenge.
2. Flier: Rated at 240.9, Flier is another strong contender. Its run at Curragh last October might make it competitive here, but it is unproven over this far. After being off for 6 months, Flier will be back with a tongue strap. Even though it may be well-suited to this ground, its ability to handle the increase in distance remains a question mark.
3. Stay Local (IRE): Rated third at 239.2, Stay Local is lightly raced and still improving. Its recent performance at Naas suggests that it may handle this better ground. It finished as a creditable third at Naas and should strip fitter for its latest effort, making it worth considering.
4. Everylittlestep (IRE): With a rating of 234.1, Everylittlestep ran well for a long time over this course and distance last month and has definite claims. Its last performance saw a respectable fifth place in a handicap at this course and distance, suggesting that it should be likely to be on the premises.
5. Wrist Art (IRE): Ranked fifth at 232.7, Wrist Art finished second over this course and distance last October but lacks a recent run and is 2lb wrong. In its latest run at the Curragh, it was below form, not ideally placed and has been off for 6 months. While it has previously shown promise, its performance may be impacted by the lack of recent racing.

Other horses to keep an eye on due to their positive comments, despite not being in the top five by rating are:

• Aurora Nova (IRE): Despite a rating of 207.2, it has plenty of excuses at Sligo last time, and the booking of Colin Keane could be a positive sign.
• Nyla Rua (IRE): With a rating of 230.6, it was a beaten favourite on last week’s Cork comeback run but should still be respected nonetheless.

In summary, while Rocky Dreams leads the ratings, it might face challenges due to the increased trip. Stay Local and Everylittlestep also show promising prospects, based on their recent performances. Horses like Aurora Nova and Nyla Rua, despite lower ratings, can also be seen as potential dark horses due to positive comments about them.