Romain De Senam Still Improving

Romain De Senam caught my eye at Aintree in November, finishing 4th when he could just as easily have won with a good jump at the last. I tipped and backed him next time in what used to be the old Massey Ferguson at Cheltenham where he was brought down at the first. He won next time at Musselburgh by 12 lengths.

He’s gone up ten pounds for that and this (3.35 Kempton) is over half a mile more than he’s been consistently campaigned over, but I think he will go close again. Trainer Skelton’s form is dipping just a wee bit from his 90-day average (24%), now at 20%, but many trainers would be happy with that. He has hit 28% in the last 30 days, so a drop to 20% might be something to consider. We shall see.

I’m backing him with Skybet EW to 6 places at 12/1.

In the Eider Chase (3.15 Newcastle) I’m taking a flyer on one who’s completely lost his form: Springfield Fox. He has pulled up in his last two, running no race at all in either, jockey Bowen reporting ‘he never travelled’ in the Welsh National, where he started 2nd favourite. He ran poorly again next time and trainer Tom George tries headgear for the first time with him (cheekpieces), and a new jockey in the fearless David Bass.

Springfield Fox is still unexposed over fences in general, and particularly at this trip. He was unbeaten in three point to points in Ireland before coming to England, where he won his first two chases by 12L and 17L respectively, the latter in late February last year. He had 3 hurdle races before going fencing and in the first 2 of those he was ponied to the start. In the 3rd, he was taken down early, so he has some history in quirkland. This will be just his 6th run over fences, and the farthest he’s raced over. He’s just 8, and it’s very hard to believe he has simply lost all form. At 11/1 EW 1,2,3,4 with Hills I’ll be backing him single. And I’ll have an EW double with Skybet to 5 places at 9/1 along with Romain De Senam at 12/1.

All that remains is my usual reminder that these are fun bets to small stakes. I don’t have inside info, nor, generally does anyone who offers you tips (those who know don’t say, and those who say don’t know).

Good luck.

Joe