2:53 Ayr Tips

A promising horse who won a maiden in December and has improved since, including winning on handicap debut at Hamilton, should go close again.

Returned from a break with a fine effort when second at Musselburgh and backed that up quickly with a third of seven in a 1¾m handicap at Goodwood 28 days ago. Remains in good form and should be thereabouts.

Pole Star looks one of the stronger contenders in the field and arrives in good form despite not having won this season. Two starts ago he produced a solid effort in a Class 2 handicap at Newmarket over 1m6f, finishing 3rd, beaten 3L off 89 on good to firm ground. The form looks solid, with the 106-rated Subsequent finishing only 1½L behind him. He followed that with a respectable run at Thirsk, finishing 5th in a Class 3 handicap over 2m, beaten 3¾L in a competitive 0-90. His 2024 form highlights why he remains of interest. He won a novice at Haydock over 1m4f, beating the now 98-rated Valiancy by ½L. He then landed a Class 2 3yo handicap over 1m6f at Haydock off 82 before following up at Yarmouth over 1m6f on soft ground off 87. There are no stamina concerns given his proven record at staying trips, and he now runs from a mark of 88, 1 lb lower than for his recent good efforts. With conditions likely to suit, Pole Star looks the one to beat.