Verdict

In an open looking Novices' Handicap Chase Farne Island is entitled to run well and continue his consistent run of form but looking well treated on his return to chasing we prefer BENE LAD while Lindseyfield Lodge is on an improving run of form and should go well again. There is a slight risk factor in siding with one that we haven¿t seen since May 2008 but the selection looks light at the weights compared to his hurdles mark. He¿ll also have ground conditions in his favour and if Jim Goldie has his charge fit he can return with a bang. If the pick isn't up to the task this time then Farne Island looks best placed to take advantage. His run well on his last two starts and off the same mark again he looks booked to go close back in novice company. Lindseyfield Lodge is up a couple of pounds for finding just the one too good last time but should still be capable of another bold bid while Prince Tam has improved in three starts this term and could kick on again. Plenty of the seven declared have chances but if ready to go Bene Lad looks well treated.

Formwatch

Lord Samposin 8-1 (10-9) Led to 5th, not fluent 9th, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened between last 2, 5th of 8, 25l behind Backstage (10-12) at Perth 3m nh nov hdl (4) gf in Jul.

Rashartic (IRE) 12-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, reminders after 6th, led 7th until after 3 out, soon weakened, 4th of 8, well behind Come Out Firing (11-9) at Newton Abbot 2m nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd in May.

Farne Island 8-1 (11-0) Mid-division, mistake 8th, soon lost place, ralliled from 2 out, went 3rd last, no impression, 3rd of 11, 12l behind Carrietau (11-1) at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Nov.

Prince Tam 80-1 (10-13) Held up in 3rd, weakened after 4 out, 4th of 5, well behind Bedlam Boy (11-5) at Ayr 2m nov chs (3) sft.

Lindseyfield Lodge (IRE) 7-1 (10-9) Led and raced keen, soon clear, mistake and headed 2 out, no extra after last, 2nd of 7, 5l behind Sea Venture (11-11) at Musselburgh 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) gs.

Skipping Chapel 40-1 (11-3) Held up, mistake 3rd, badly hampered 10th, weakened 5 out, 8th of 13, well behind Dar Es Salaam (11-6) at Musselburgh 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs in Nov.

Bene Lad (IRE) 10-3fav (10-8) Close up, every chance 4 out and next, one pace from 2 out, 2nd of 12, 3 1/2l behind Lady Sambury (9-13) at Kelso 2m 6f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs in May '08.