Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing coming from Hexham, Leicester, Fakenham and Newcastle on 13 April 2026.
HEXHAM
Race 1 No4 RED OAK (Nap)
Trainer: James Owen – Jockey: Jonathan Burke
Newmarket raider RED OAK brings solid form to the table after troubling the judge in a far better race at Newbury. The winner Storming George landed a Grade 1 at Aintree on Friday to given my Nap outstanding claims.
Race 2 No1 YOUNG GETAWAY
Trainer: Nicky Richards – Jockey: Danny McMenamin
On a first run in almost a year, YOUNG GETAWAY can put his best foot forward. He produced good form over hurdles when last seen including a narrow defeat at this course, while he’s sure to have been well prepared for the switch to fences.
Race 7 No5 NASSALAM
Trainer: T Ellis – Jockey: Miss GinaAndrews
While nothing like the same force of old, NASSALAM has to be taken seriously on a first venture into the hunter-chase sphere. The 2023 Welsh National winner was last seen in action behind Pic Roc at Sandown in January and makes his first appearance for a new stable with confidence behind him, and a very good pilot doing the steering.
LEICESTER
Race 1 No3 CRIMSON ROSE
Trainer: Charlie Appleby – Jockey: Connor Planas
Any cut in the ground would be to the advantage of Lope De Vega filly CRIMSON ROSE. Her Newmarket maiden victory is working out well, while her experienced apprentice takes 3lb off her penalty.
Race 4 No8 BAY BREEZE (Each Way)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: David Allan
BAY BREEZE has been known to operate well first time back from a break including when scoring at Ripon four years ago. That Garden course is his favoured terrain, but the drying ground here will assist him and his stable has started the season well.
Race 5 No2 TENBOB TOMMY
Trainer: Sheena West – Jockey: Charles Bishop
The giant TENBOB TOMMY opened his account on a first outing of the year at Lingfield in January and now switches to grass on which he is yet to score in nine attempts. However, this is his first visit to a course that should play to his strengths.
Race 7 No1 ENGROSS (Nap)
Trainer: James Fanshawe – Jockey: Daniel Muscutt
ENGROSS made a winning return on handicap debut at Chelmsford to serve notice he’s done well from two to three. The Gleneagles gelding will appreciate operating over a longer trip today, and can successfully concede weight all round.
FAKENHAM
Race 2 No3 FORTUNEFAVORSDBOLD (Nap)
Trainer: Christian Williams – Jockey: Jack Tudor
Although she is proving hard to win with, this is an opportunity FORTUNEFAVORSDBOLD can grasp. She’s traded short in both her last two starts when finding one to beat her but around this tight track she should take care of business.
Race 6 No2 MISTER SPLASH
Trainer: E Turner – Jockey: Mr Paddy Barlow
MISTER SPLASH enjoys the better ground and brings winning point form to the table under a capable pilot. He was a useful hurdler, and after wind surgery he’s equipped with a first time tongue tie which will assist him.
NEWCASTLE
Race 2 No2 NOELAN STAR (Nap)
Trainer: Ed Bethell – Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
NOELAN STAR greatly impressed when delivering at the first time of asking here in December. He pulverised the opposition by a near double figure margin and should have no trouble coping with his penalty as the best get on this card.
Race 3 No10 CAJETAN (Each Way)
Trainer: Ruth Carr – Jockey: James Sullivan
CAJETAN a is very interesting on this fifth start for Carr and equipped with first time blinkers. He didn’t show up at Southwell last time or on two earlier efforts, but has been given a real chance if the headgear works.
