Big Prices in Big Fields: Monday's Prime Betting Opportunities
While today’s racing slate might be devoid of graded action, there’s no shortage of intrigue for punters who love a tilt at big prices. Hexham hosts an intriguing 3m 41y handicap chase (15:30), Leicester serves up a couple of competitive handicaps on good ground, and Newcastle’s all-weather Tapeta gives us a testing 13-runner sprint at 18:00. Our focus? Spotting those longshots that could turn a modest stake into tidy profits.
Let's drill into the data and highlight where the value lies for Monday, 13th April 2026. Those craving bold selections should pay close attention—today's AI predictions leave little room for doubt.
Hexham 15:30 - Luscombe Valley the Value Pick at 14/1
This 3m 41y handicap chase at Hexham on good (good to soft in places) ground has thrown up a field of 14, and the market appears heavily skewed towards the top of it. But don’t let short-priced favourites blind you: 14/1 Luscombe Valley looks a cracking each-way proposition.
Why the appeal? A key reason lies in the gelding’s suitability to today’s conditions. He’s raced twice on similar ground over extended distances and hit the frame both times, finishing a respectable third at Catterick in January on soft ground over 3m 1f. Form figures of 4356 might look uninspiring at first glance, but dig deeper: his handicap mark of 102 is 5lbs lower than that Catterick effort, and he has a serious chance in this mid-tier contest.
Trainer Brian Ellison has been quietly effective with runners at Hexham, boasting a 16% strike rate here in the past year. The booking of jockey Sean Quinlan, who has partnered four winners from his last 15 rides at this venue, adds an extra layer of confidence.
None of the field boasts rock-solid credentials in this tricky contest, so at 14/1, Luscombe Valley offers value in the each-way market. A place alone delivers superb returns.
Newcastle 18:00 - Each-Way Angle on 13/2 Viridian
The 6f handicap at Newcastle on the Tapeta surface is attracting serious attention, partly due to the ultra-competitive nature of the 13-runner field. Many in the race carry question marks, but 13/2 shot Viridian looks to have plenty in his favour.
The lightly raced five-year-old has shown a clear preference for the all-weather, with his three career wins all coming on synthetic surfaces. When last seen over course and distance in March, he finished second, just half a length behind the winner despite being hampered late on. The key to his chances today is his tactical versatility—he's equally adept at making the running or swooping late, which should serve him well in what’s likely to be a strongly run affair.
Oisin Orr takes the ride for Roger Fell, a partnership that’s delivered a solid 14% strike rate on all-weather tracks this year. Granted a fair run, expect Viridian to be in the mix at a working mans’ each-way price.
Check out our head-to-head comparison tool to see how Viridian stacks up against his rivals.
Leicester 17:22 - Big-Field Chaos Could Unearth a Gem
The closing race at Leicester—an amateur jockeys’ handicap over 7f—features a massive field of 17 runners. These types of races are often a minefield, but they’re also well-suited to uncovering a value outsider amid the chaos. One that catches the eye today is Medici Piper, available at a juicy 18/1.
While he needs to bounce back from a pair of underwhelming efforts, it’s worth noting both of those were on softer ground, which he clearly doesn’t handle. His last win—just three starts ago—came at Lingfield on good-to-firm over a similar trip, and he’s undoubtedly better suited by today’s surface.
The amateur nature of the contest complicates things, but Medici Piper’s rider, T Clark, is no mug—he’s posted a couple of top-three finishes already this season. Adding to the appeal, top-weight and market leader Flavoured (4/1) looks vulnerable under a hefty burden, especially in such a packed field.
Leicester 13:52 - Don’t Ignore 10/1 Queen’s Honour
The day kicks off with a 13-runner 6f maiden at Leicester, and the consistent Queen’s Honour offers backers a tempting 10/1 price to start Monday on the right foot. This filly has raced four times in 2026, finishing in the top four on each occasion—a compelling marker of her reliability.
Trainer George Boughey clearly sees her breaking her duck soon, given she’s been entered exclusively in similar contests. Good ground at Leicester should suit her tactical style, and Tom Marquand taking the reins is another positive—he’s fresh off a sparkling Saturday that saw him land three high-profile wins. At 10/1, punters could do far worse in each-way terms.
Value Bets Summary
- Luscombe Valley (Hexham 15:30) - 14/1 each-way pick in a wide-open handicap.
- Viridian (Newcastle 18:00) - 13/2 looks fair for a consistent sprinter.
- Medici Piper (Leicester 17:22) - A lively 18/1 outsider with conditions ideal.
- Queen’s Honour (Leicester 13:52) - 10/1 holds good each-way claims in a maiden she can dominate.
Best Bet of the Day
If we’re isolating one standout selection, Luscombe Valley at 14/1 gets the nod. His consistency on good-to-soft, coupled with a falling handicap mark and positive jockey booking, makes him the ideal play in Hexham’s competitive 15:30. For those wanting to combine their bets, head over to our accumulator tips page to explore potential multi-race strategies.
Don’t Miss a Beat
To explore the full list of today’s runners and non-runners, visit today's runners page and check for late withdrawals. For the latest results and updates, use our live results service. And for punters looking for even more action, tomorrow’s early tips are already live!
