Model Rating: 94/100 | Win Probability: 38% | Fair Odds: 13/8 | Market: 2/1 | Grade: A+

Mighty Berkshire has taken a major step forward since undergoing a breathing operation and arrives here with form figures of 1-2 on his last two starts, both performances suggesting there is still more to come over staying trips.

He won a 19-runner handicap at Galway over 2m6f in July despite the race not unfolding perfectly for him, then backed that up with an even stronger run at Tramore when finishing second to Moonlight Paradise. On that occasion he conceded first run and still closed to within a length and a half, which makes the bare defeat easy to view positively.

He now runs from OR112, carries 11st12lb and has Kevin Healy claiming 7lb. That claim is particularly useful in a staying handicap where weight can become increasingly important late on.

The extra distance to just over three miles looks more likely to help than hinder. His strongest recent efforts have come as stamina has been tested more thoroughly, and his Galway victory showed he can cope with a big field and competitive pace.

Cooladdi is the obvious danger after winning a maiden here last month and now makes his handicap debut from OR110. He is less exposed than Mighty Berkshire, but must prove himself over a markedly longer trip. Midnight Eagle and Sound Judgement also have claims.

The concern is that this remains a 14-runner staying handicap, so there is always more variance than in a small-field conditions race. Even so, Mighty Berkshire is one of the few runners arriving with both strong current form and evidence that his improvement may not yet have levelled off.