Aidan O'Brien looking for confidence boost for Oaks runner-up Pink Dogwood

3.10 Limerick
Martin Molony Stakes | 1m4½f | Listed | 3yo+ | RTV

This was probably not the autumn target Aidan O'Brien had in mind for Pink Dogwood after she hit the crossbar in the Investec Oaks at Epsom in June, but Ireland's champion trainer is hoping the drop in class can see her confidence restored.

Pink Dogwood hit an in-running low of 1.07 in the Oaks but could not repel the late surge of Anapurna. That form was franked by the winner at Longchamp last Sunday when she made all in the Prix de Royallieu under Frankie Dettori.

The second half of the season has not gone so well for Pink Dogwood, who has form figures of 23388 since landing a Listed race at Navan in April, but she has won on heavy ground, a surface she will encounter again here.

"We think Pink Dogwood has lost her confidence, so a race like this might be a way of getting that confidence back," said O'Brien.

The ill-fated Sir Erec was successful in this race last year and O'Brien also won the race in 2016 with Bondi Beach.

Riven Light: trip will be fine says trainer Willie MullinsCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Pink Dogwood is the highest-rated runner in the race but she will need to be near her best to account for the 106-rated Riven Light, another heavy ground winner who has been highly tried throughout his career.

"The ground should help Riven Light and the trip will be fine too," said trainer Willie Mullins.

You have to rewind to 2011 for Jessica Harrington's last win in this Listed contest with Bob Le Beau and the in-form trainer is doubly represented with Still Standing and Whirling Dervish.

Colin Keane, who is embroiled in a thrilling tussle with Pink Dogwood's rider Donnacha O'Brien in the Irish Flat jockeys' championship, will be on the Ger Lyons-trained Nickajack Cave.

Get ahead of the game with Get Your Eye In - exclusive Saturday preview content on racingpost.com and the Racing Post mobile app from 2pm on Friday