ADVANCED is on course for his bid to win back-to-back John Smith’s Ayr Gold Cups this Saturday.

Kevin Ryan’s sprinter took the prestigious six-furlong sprint 12 months ago and was back in form when finishing runner-up to Look Busy at Beverley last month.

The five-year-old, will carry 5lb less than 12 months ago, could also be joined by his stablemate Tamagin.

Ryan said: “I plan to run Tamagin and Advanced, but I think Evens And Odds is doubtful as the ground might be too soft for him. Advanced is in good form and he’s got good form at the track.”

Jamie Spencer was on board last year, but Ryan does not know who will partner his charge just yet.

He added: “I don’t know yet, I’m not going into jockeys yet.”

Advanced is Coral’s 11-1 second favourite, while Tamagin can be backed at 33-1 with Ladbrokes.

Meanwhile Karl Burke is hoping to be triple-handed at Ayr with both Confuchias and Aahayson certain to run and Raptor a possible if he makes the cut.

The ground is currently heavy at Ayr and Burke thinks the testing conditions will suit all his horses. Confuchias is a 12-1 chance with several firms including Ladbrokes, Coral and BlueSquare.

Burke said: “Aahayson and Confuchias get in and all things being equal, they will definitely run.

“I think Raptor only needs four to drop out and all three of them will love the soft ground so I hope to have three chances in that, and maybe one or two in the Silver Cup as well.

“Confuchias ran really to finish fifth in the Great St Wilfrid last time and when he is on-song, he’s a very useful horse and he likes cut in the ground.

“His training problems have been well documented and he is probably a grade above handicap company when he is right.

“He has won a couple of Group Three races in the past and he may not be up to that now but handicap company on soft ground is right up his street.”

TODAY’S NAP: Diamond Surprise (4.20pm Beverley).