DANCE HAUL

VALUE SCOPE Two 8-1 winners in last two weeks. See who Steve Jones is tipping today.

BEAT the bookies with a cunning bet in the Vertem Eider Chase.

SPRINGFIELD FOX (3.15) hasn’t been able to show what he’s capable of this season but this marathon Newcastle contest should bring out the best in Tom George’s grey.

He was unbeaten in three Irish point-to-points and he took well to fences last season when a wide-margin winner on his first two chase starts.

Both those victories came on testing conditions when he galloped his rivals into the heavy ground from the front.

This season’s form figures do not inspire confidence but he has excuses. The ground had dried out too much when pulled up in the Welsh National and 3m1f around Wincanton was always going to be too sharp for him. This 4m1f slog on testing ground should be much more to his liking. Have 1pt each-way at 10-1.

There’s a decent card at Kempton and the Close Brothers Chase is a competitive affair. Most firms are paying out on five places and there are two runners I like.

THE BUTCHER SAID (3.35) has caught the eye travelling well in similar races a couple of times this season. His finishing efforts have been disappointing but he will love the decent ground.

Olly Murphy’s hope has had another breathing operation since he last ran and I like the fact the hood he usually wears has been taken off for the first time in a couple of years. Have 1pt each-way at 12-1.

The other one I like is YOUNG WOLF (3.35). His autumn form gives him a chance and his prominent tactics are often a help around Kempton. He is way overpriced at 28-1 so have 1pt each-way.

Earlier on the card, TOP MAN (1.15) has sound claims. He went well for a long way when sixth in this last year and it doesn’t look as competitive this season. It didn’t work out for him over fences but he ran well when fourth over today’s track and trip on Boxing Day and the two-month break he’s had since is in his favour as he goes well when fresh. Have 1pt each-way at 28-1.

GUY (4.10) will love the decent ground. He bolted up on his chase debut at Huntingdon and his progress has been hampered by a wet winter.

He’s been freshened up by a nice break since finishing third last December at Hereford in a race that’s worked out very nicely.

Have 2pts each-way at 9-1.

8-1 MAIN tip Lord Du Mesnil rewarded Value Scope followers by winning at Haydock last Saturday