Pace/Draw Setup:
Bellewstown is a sharp, turning track where position matters. With only eight runners, expect an even pace. No obvious trailblazer, but Oiche Rua (hood on) and Glyndwr have gone forward before. Low to middle draws usually favoured – Tofino (stall 1) and Shahada Ace (stall 2) well placed.

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Strongest Contenders

Rizal – Proven/Progressive (Score: 8/10)

• Eye-catching late run at Galway on handicap debut, unlucky not to finish closer.
• Up 4lb but still looks ahead of the assessor.
• By Lope De Vega, should relish yielding ground.
• Track sharper than ideal but has the class to overcome it.

Empress Artemis – Proven (Score: 7.5/10)

• Consistent, placed in strong Curragh handicaps.
• Beaten favourite last four starts but rarely runs a bad race.
• Class drop is significant – now facing weaker opposition.
• Draw (7) slightly wide but Colin Keane back on board is a big plus.

Tofino – Progressive (Score: 7/10)

• Strong finishing winner at the Curragh last time, career-best.
• Needs a true test; Bellewstown sharper than ideal but still improving.
• Draw 1 perfect to save ground before being delivered late.

Shahada Ace – Promising (Score: 7/10)

• Bolted up at Tipperary, winning by 7½L, sectional times strong.
• Up 13lb, and this is a much stronger race.
• From a low base, still scope for improvement – dangerous if repeating.

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Main Dangers

Ribee – Dark Horse (Score: 6.5/10)

• Two solid placed runs earlier this summer before blowing up at Galway (too fresh).
• Could bounce back, particularly if settling better.

Oiche Rua – Outsider with C&D form (Score: 6/10)

• C&D winner here last month at 33/1 and followed up at Limerick.
• Last run at Galway excusable (upset in stalls).
• Hood may spark another revival.

Fiona Maccoul – Needs Revival (Score: 5.5/10)

• Won valuable 2yo prize but regressive since.
• Yard in flying form, cheekpieces tried – could improve.

Glyndwr – Exposed (Score: 5/10)

• Dundalk winner but not really built on it.
• Connections split runners; Keane’s choice to ride Empress Artemis a negative.

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Runner Suitability & Scores

• Rizal – 8/10 – Unexposed, unlucky at Galway, likely improver.
• Empress Artemis – 7.5/10 – Class dropper, consistent but a touch vulnerable late.
• Tofino – 7/10 – Last-time-out winner, track sharpness slight concern.
• Shahada Ace – 7/10 – Sectional star, but raised sharply in weights.
• Ribee – 6.5/10 – Can bounce back, not ruled out.
• Oiche Rua – 6/10 – C&D form key, not dismissed.
• Fiona Maccoul – 5.5/10 – Needs cheekpieces to work.
• Glyndwr – 5/10 – Well held lately, hard to fancy.

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Private Tissue (Fair Odds)

• Rizal 5/2
• Empress Artemis 3/1
• Tofino 4/1
• Shahada Ace 9/2
• Ribee 8/1
• Oiche Rua 10/1
• Fiona Maccoul 12/1
• Glyndwr 20/1

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Summary

Competitive 3yo handicap where Rizal looks the most progressive and shaped like a winner-in-waiting at Galway. Empress Artemis is the class dropper and clear danger if finally delivering. Tofino and Shahada Ace both come here off wins and remain on the upgrade, though both face small negatives (track sharpness and weight hike respectively).

Smart Play:

• Win bet – Rizal (progressive profile, unlucky last time).
• Each-way saver – Tofino (well drawn, strong stayer, consistent improver).