Verdict

Bumper winner SIMONE was narrowly beaten over hurdles at Musselburgh just 10 days ago. Lucinda Russell’s charge gets the nod to go one better in this given Berkshire Downs is having her first start since April having placed in a handicap over these hurdles before that. Floramoss has been well beaten in handicaps since returning to action while dual point-to-point winner My Old Gold debuts under Rules having joined Nicky Richards.

Formwatch

Berkshire Downs 5-1 (10-6) Led, mistake 5 out, headed before 2 out, weakened approaching last, 4th of 12, 10l behind Blue Hussar (10-13) at Kelso 2m 2f (4) gd in Apr.

Floramoss 8-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders in 3rd place, went 2nd place from 7th until 4 out, weakened from after 3 out, 4th of 5, 21l behind Pennywell (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m 7f hcp (4) hvy in Nov.

Green Tikkana 80-1 (10-12) In rear, pushed along 4 out, never dangerous, 6th of 8, 23l behind Miss Tiggy (10-12) at Ayr 2m mdn (5) hvy in Nov.

My Old Gold (IRE) 3-1 (11-11) Chsd ldrs, gng well frm 7th, cl 2nd bef 5out, ld gng best bef 2out, went clr bef last, sow, easily, won at Ballynoe 3m gs in Apr beating Bridane Rebel (11-11) by 8l, 8 ran.

Simone (IRE) 12-5 (10-12) Close up, led 4 out, ridden 3 out, joined and hung right between last 2, driven and headed towards finish, 2nd of 7, 1/2l behind Canny Style (10-12) at Musselburgh 2m mdn (4) gd in Nov.

The Delray Munky 12-1 (10-5) Last pair, pushed along and struggling after 4th, tailed off, 9th of 10, 34 1/4l behind The Dubai Way (10-12) at Hexham 2m (4) hvy in Nov.