Hamilton preview: Rivers poised to open account

Darrell Rivers has been knocking on the door of late and can gain a deserved success in the 1m handicap on today’s card at Hamilton (14.50).

The Giles Bravery trained filly has shaped with promise on numerous occasions this season and comes into the contest on the back of two excellent efforts.

In the first of those over 7f at Thirsk, Darrell Rivers kept on strongly from off the pace to finish a 3/4 length runner-up to Ingleby Spring.

The three-year-old backed that up with a solid third of 10 to Akeed Champion over 7f at Newmarket, and looked unlucky not to land the spoils.

Darrell Rivers was making a move when denied a clear run a furlong from home, and lost vital momentum when switched left to find daylight before finishing with a flourish to be beaten just 1/2 a length.

Although now 2lb higher in the weights, that form reads well in the context of this contest and Darrell Rivers’ current mark of 63 looks more than exploitable.

The step up to 1m also looks sure to suit, and this represents a nice opening for the daughter of Hellvelyn to finally get her head in front where it matters most.

In the 1m 3f handicap (16.30), Adele holds outstanding claims of opening her account now eased in grade.

The Mark Johnston trained filly has shown improved form since being stepped up in trip, and ran a cracker on seasonal reappearance when chasing home subsequent Irish Oaks winner Covert Love in a 1m 2f contest at Chelmsford.

Adele also ran well on her penultimate outing when runner-up in a class 4 contest at Ripon, and shaped far better than the bare result indicates last time out at Chester when fifth of 10 to Mysterial in a similar grade affair.