Futuristic one for right now

RACING: Expect Tate’s promising colt to continue progress

FUTURISTIC can continue on an upward curve by transferring his winning form to Chelmsford.

James Tate’s colt is one of two improving three-year-olds who must carry a penalty in division two of the Extra Places At totesport.com Handicap.

After his emphatic success on handicap debut at Newcastle, though, Futuristic is the one who appears to be going places fast and he should demonstrate the point here.

He settled matters quickly at Gosforth Park over six furlongs, before staying on strongly on that stiff track.

This easier seven ought to be just right, and there is every reason to anticipate further progress after just four career starts, including two victories already.

GLOBAL CITIZEN is an exciting recruit to fences and gets the chance to underline his potential in the racingtv. com Beginners’ Chase at Carlisle.

Ben Pauling also had his dual Grade Two-winning hurdler entered at Cheltenham this week, but prefers the trip north as a starting point.

The Cotswolds trainer has already earmarked Sandown’s Henry VIII Novice Chase as an major early-season target for the seven-year-old.

He is keen to test his former Irish point-to-point winner on an undulating track and as a trial for Sandown, there are few courses in the country that fit the bill better than Carlisle.

Pauling has made it clear that Global Citizen should not be judged on his disappointing effort in last season’s Champion Hurdle, but admits he is short of evidence that his stable star can run to his best away from flat tracks.