Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Tuesday’s racing coming from Leicester, Newcastle, and Southwell on 20 January 2026.
LEICESTER
Race 1 No3 STARZAND (Nap)
Trainer: Philip Hobbs – Jockey: Sean Houlihan
STARZAND lost his unbeaten record for Hobbs at Ffos Las after winning a bumper and a maiden hurdle at the same track. His conqueror earlier this month was the useful Bossman Jack, and my Nap was only headed in the final 50 yards. His trainer appears to have find a perfect opening for him to return to winning ways.
Race 4 No4 AT THE OCHE (Each Way)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Though barely out of the novice stage, AT THE OCHE can make an impact in this two mile handicap hurdle for a stable that’s run back into some form this month. He’s attracted support on each of his last three outings when winning at Ffos Las, finishing second at Ascot and latterly when finishing in midfield behind Surrey Lord at Kempton. He probably paid the price for being made plenty of use of that day, and it will be interesting how he’s ridden against the paper favourite TIGERS MOON.
NEWCASTLE
Race 3 No2 DANDY BREEZE (Nap)
Trainer: Bryan Smart – Jockey: Paul Mulrennan
DANDY BREEZE blinked at the start but quickly regained his momentum to stay on in eye catching fashion to chase home Dolos Dream on his introduction here before Christmas. He will be sharper for the run, and granted normal progression on this second start on the same terrain should open his account.
Race 8 No10 DIGITAL
Trainer: Ruth Carr – Jockey: James Sullivan
DIGITAL has posted figures of 122 on his last three visits here and narrowly failed to justify the support for him when starting a 7-4 favourite earlier in the month. He looks the answer to anyone seeking a getting out mission in the finale.
SOUTHWELL
Race 2 No9 PAPA COCKTAIL (Each Way)
Trainer: Michael Herrington – Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
For a horse that likes to make a late bid the rail isn’t an ideal place in the gate for PAPA COCKTAIL. That said, it’s probably better for the seven-year-old than being berthed wide in this 1200 metres sprint. Granted luck in running in the straight he can cash in on a class drop, with Rodriguez an interesting booking for him.
Race 3 No4 SILVER STATE (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Rose Dawes
SILVER STATE upped his game to claim a minor cheque on second start at Lingfield in what was also his first run on the all-weather. He’s been working well, and if going forward again can get into the shake-up in the colours of the Box 41 syndicate.
Race 8 No2 SPECIAL ACCLAIM (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Finley Marsh
SPECIAL ACCLAIM hasn’t set any rivers on fire in his three outings but the Acclamation gelding has always promised to do better in handicaps. He’s had more finish in front of him than behind, but should the penny drop tonight he can definitely get into the shake-up.
