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).

The Tim Easterby trained filly bounced back to form last time out when landing a gamble at Thirsk, coming from way off the pace to get up close home and score by a neck.

Pacngo has been put up just 2lb for that success to a mark of 54, but remains potentially very well-treated given that she started life in handicaps off an initial a rating of 62.

Connections have also decided to put up promising apprentice Rachel Richardson who is good value for her 5lb claim.

Taking it into account, Pacngo is effectively 1lb lower than when scoring at Thirsk and weighted to take all the beating in a class 5 contest lacking any real strength in depth.

Selections:
17.20: Pickett’s Charge
17.50: Chilworth Icon
18.20: Exotic Guest
18.50: Advance (NAP)
19.20: Sea Of Heaven
19.50: Pageant Belle
20.20: Pacngo (NB)