In-form Advance and Exotic Guest a delightful double at Newcastle

Advance has been in terrific form this season, and can defy a further rise in the weights to bag another success in the 1m handicap on this evening’s card at Newcastle (18.50).

The gelding has excelled under the care of trainer Ruth Carr, winning three of his last six starts, and she has a big chance of landing a double at this track.

In the last of those at Ayr, four-year-old Advance showed plenty of pace to race on the heels of the leaders before being produced at the furlong marker and running on strongly to score by a neck.

Advance appeared to win with a bit more in hand than the winning margin suggests, and a 2lb rise for that victory could well be on the lenient side.

Although now running off a career-high mark of 71, Advance is clearly thriving and looks as if he could have even more to offer.

Carr also looks to have leading claims of securing the 6f handicap earlier on the card (18.20), with the in-form course winner Exotic Guest.

Sir Mark Prescott, meanwhile, has Sea Of Heaven in the 2m handicap (19:20), and he looks a worthy odds-on favourite to open his account, following two solid runner-up efforts.

Another that really appeals is Pacngo in the 5f handicap that closes proceedings (20.20).