Cartmel
Left handed, tight. Only six fences to a circuit theoretically places little emphasis on jumping, though the last few - which come in quick succession as the field are quickening - can lead to mistakes. Run-in of half a mile from the last fence is the longest in the country and, unsurprisingly, the lead changes hands from the last more than would normally be expected, be it due to horses idling or tiring after being sent for home too soon.
Cartmel is a great little track and most definitely suits some horses more than others. It’s basically a left-handed circle, where the fences probably look a bit bigger due to being on such a narrow track. Due to the layout, the home run on the final circuit is right up the middle of the course, and whilst very short, is the longest run (four furlongs), from the last fence to the line, in the country. The hurdle track is similar, but only has a two-furlong run from the last flight. Suits front-running or handily-ridden types as it’s very difficult to pass horses on the bends of the final circuits. A great place to rejuvenate an old handicapper or tricky type due to its unusual layout.