Commanche can claim Carlisle scalp

Commanche handles cut in the ground well and should find things in his favour at Carlisle.

Rated 82 after losing his maiden tag at Musselburgh in July last year, he was down the field in a Goodwood nursery later that month.

Off the track until reappearing at Haydock in June, where he was well beaten, Bryan Smart’s three-year-old has run with much more promise on his last two starts.

Now on a workable mark of 66 for the Christmas Parties At Carlisle Racecourse Handicap, he will be firmly in the shake-up if continuing to go the right way.

It is also worth noting he was a little squeezed for room when fourth at Ripon in what was a solid race for the grade.

Best bet at Catterick promises to be Eastlands Lad in the totepool.com Sports Games Bingo & More Handicap.

Micky Hammond’s charge is still a maiden after eight starts but has shown promise on more than one occasion.

He has come close in three other outings at this track and returns with conditions in his favour, as he seems at his most effective with plenty of ease 
underfoot.