Horse racing tips: Southwell, Plumpton and Fakenham – Steve Mullen’s betting preview for Monday, December 4

PLUMPTON 

12.40

PITON PETE ran a personal best when a close second at Huntingdon last time out.

This 2m4f trip looks ideal and there should be more to come on only his third spin over hurdles.

1

1.10

OPTIMUS PRIME sets a pretty good standard after winning on his chasing debut at Worcester last time out.

He jumped well there and looked value for more than the official winning margin of a neck.

1.40

TAMBURA has won this race for the past two seasons and has every chance of making it three on the bounce. She’s 3lb lower than last season’s victory and warmed up with a good fourth at Chepstow latest.

The ground suits and we know the course and distance are ideal.

SOLOMON GREY has been knocking on the door in bumpers and transferred that ability to hurdles for his debut at Bangor last time.

He jumped and travelled well there in finishing second. He wouldn’t have to improve much to take this.

2.40

FLIGHT COMMANDER looked in need of the run at Kempton last time when coming back from seven months off.

He plugged on well enough once beaten and refitting of headgear looks a wise move as it has improved him before.

3.10

It’s never a plus for a hurdler to fall but OUR MERLIN was going like the winner when taking a tumble here last time out.

That would have been easily his best effort over timber and he looks on a fair mark. If he jumps round he should win.

3.40

BEGBIE comes from Warren Greatex, which has quickly become a major positive in bumpers.

He comes from a nice jumping family that has produced many winners and any market support would be telling.

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FAKENHAM

1.00 Mullaghboy

1.30 Little Windmill

2.00 Classic Ben

2.30 Saucysioux

3.00 Yourholidayisover

3.30 Joycetick

SOUTHWELL

11.50 Luv U Whatever

12.20 Ladies First

12.50 Mr Coco Bean

1.20 Holyroman Princess

1.50 Treaty Of Rome

2.20 Something Lucky

2.50 Why Me

3.20 Star Ascending