Horses tips for Fakenham, Catterick and Southwell

THERE is a reason why horses carry top weight in handicaps and COGNAC BLUE (2.30, nap) can show why by defying his hefty burden at Southwell today.

The Richard Fahey-trained youngster has been hit by the handicapper because he boasts by far the superior form. He will have his cause helped by the capable five pound claiming apprentice Seb Woods on his back.

He will also appreciate today’s drop in distance after running a respectable race over seven furlongs last time out when fifth behind Rusper Dreams at Chelmsford.

If official ratings mean anything, the colt runs off the same mark as he carried when successful at Redcar in October.

At Catterick FABIANSKI (12.40, nb) can show the benefit of vital racing experience by adding to her Wetherby success.

On that occasion she came home at her leisure by 17 lengths from Alliteration.

Dan Skelton, who won this contest last year with Solo Saxophone, saddles the likely danger in Lifeboat.

GETTYSBURG (1.10, treble), a dual winning hurdler, can open his account over fences for Richard Newland and Sam Twiston-Davies.

The pair have an excellent strike-rate when they join forces.

HORSE RACING TIPS DECEMBER 18

Catterick

12.10 HAASAB - 3rd 6/1

12.40 FABIANSKI (nb) - Winner 6/4

1.10 GETTYSBURG ADDRESS (treble) - 3rd

1.40 DJIN CONTI - 2nd 4/1

2.10 MORRAMAN - 3rd 6/4

2.40 MIDNIGHT CHILL - Winner 11/8

Fakenham

12.50 IT'S O KAY - 3rd

1.20 TODD - Winner 9/4

1.50 MILITARIAN - Winner 2/1

2.20 THE VERY THING - Winner 6/4

2.50 THOMAS TODD - 2nd - 3/1

3.20 KILBREW BOY - Winner 3/1

Southwell

11.55 FINGAL'S CAVE - 3rd 6/1

12.25 POINT ZERO - 2nd - 1/1

1.00 MR CARBONATOR 2nd - 2/1

1.30 ANGEL PALANAS - 4th 3/1

2.00 TAN - 3rd 3/1

2.30 COGNAC BLUE (nap) - 2nd 4/5

3.00 WHERE'S PERLE - 4th 4/1

3.30 JABAROUT - WINNER 5/2