Monday 13th April 2026
The first of four selections for me from Leicester on Monday comes within the 1.52, and this is a Class 4 novice event over six furlongs. I think that this particular affair can go to CRIMSON ROSE for Charlie Appleby and Connor Planas, who takes off three pounds. She took a big step forward from her debut run when finishing third at Chelmsford, to win impressively at Newmarket by four lengths when she was last seen. That run came back in July, and she hasn’t been seen since; however, she’s still the one to beat on that form. She’ll also handle the current quick surface, given that success came on good to firm.
My second selection of the day comes in the second race at Leicester, which is the 2.22, another Class 4 novice, this time over seven furlongs. James Tate could hold the key here with KING’S CAVALRY, who’s the mount of Clifford Lee. He posted an encouraging effort on debut at Newmarket in October, finishing sixth of fifteen in a novice event, which the form has worked out well. His main rivals in the betting here are I’ll Be Back and Beagle Bay, and both carry penalties, which should work in his favour. He should take a big step forward, which makes him of significant interest.
I turn my attention to handicap company for my third pick, which comes within the 3.22, and this is a Class 5 handicap over six furlongs. I’m taking a chance on SPRING BLOOM here on his first start for John Butler, who’s set to be ridden by Darragh Keenan. He hasn’t won for a while now; however, he knocked on the door a couple of times last season for Darryll Holland, with a couple of close-up finishes without managing to get his head in front. Notably, he’s now six pounds below his last winning mark, and it would be no surprise if he got his head in front at this level. I think that he can have a big say in this.
The fourth and final selection of the afternoon for me comes within the 3.52, and this is the second division of the previous six-furlong Class 5 handicap. I like the chances of AL HOFZAN here for Georgina Nicholls and talented seven-pound claimer Harry Vigors. He’s still a maiden after eight starts; however, he’s gone very close in both of his last two outings, both of which came at Wolverhampton over seven furlongs. He looked the winner on his last start, before being run down late on, giving the impression that this drop down to six furlongs could be what he’s after. He’s just a pound higher for this assignment, and if he takes to the turf, he should be bang there at the business end of things.
Monday Selections
1.52 Leicester
CRIMSON ROSE – (7/4) (Win) (NAP)
2.25 Leicester
KING’S CAVALRY – (5/2) (Win) (NB)
3.22 Leicester
SPRING BLOOM – (5/1) (Each-Way)
3.52 Leicester
AL HOFZAN – (4/1) (Win)
