Virgin Bet Ayr End of Summer Raceday predictions: Star Start can shine bright for Menzies

- Virgin Bet sponsors Ayr's End of Summer Raceday card on Tuesday
- There are eight races from 1.42pm-5.37pm
- Recommended bets:
- Hortzadar to win 1.42pm
- Golden Strike to win 2.12pm
- Star Start to win 2.47pm
- Master Zoffany to win 3.22pm
- Jkr Cobbler to win 3.57pm
- Darbucks to win 4.32pm
- Sacred Falls to win 5.07pm
- Michael's Pledge to win 5.37pm

The eight-race Ayr offering on Tuesday includes the Virgin Bet Handicap at 3.22pm, a class three contest over 7f.

They race from 1.42pm-5.37pm on Tuesday at Ayr and once more we have a race-by-race guide to the action from the Racing Post.

Ventura Rascal and Hale End were both in behind HORTZADAR in second and fifth place respectively when the latter scored over this C&D last month.

David O'Meara's runner has been put up just 3lb by the handicapper for that victory, but he has won off a much higher mark than this, so more success can go the experienced eight-year-old's way in the opener at Ayr.

Racing Post selection: Hortzadar @ 2/1

Beneath The Sand and Bona Fortuna are interesting debutants from yards that do well with first-time-out two-year-olds, however, preference here goes to GOLDEN STRIKE who has had the benefit of a run already.

He finished a respectable third of 12 runners on his opening start at Pontefract. Richard Fahey's colt can build on that performance to break his maiden at the second attempt.

Racing Post selection: Golden Strike @ 5/4

STAR START picked up his second success in three outings when scoring at Beverley (1m2f) last month.

He stayed on strongly inside the closing stages of that race. Rebecca Menzies' gelding remains off the same mark of 62 here which gives him a great chance of adding to his tally.

Racing Post selection: Star Start @ 2/1

As is always the case, being drawn low is crucial at Chester and MASTER ZOFFANY took advantage of a good draw at the tight course last time out to score over their extended 7f trip.

He has been eased in class here on this latest assignment which means he will need to carry top weight.

Richard Fahey's runner should have too much for his rivals, including Autumn Festival and William Dewhirst who are both also looking to successfully follow up too.

Racing Post selection: Master Zoffany @ 5/2

JKR COBBLER and Spartakos are both C&D winners who should both relish a return to this venue. The former won three times over this C&D over the summer. He was denied a fourth straight triumph by just a neck.

The four-year-old will need another career-best from this mark of 64 but do not rule out Iain Jardine's gelding from stepping up once again for one more success this season.

Racing Post selection: Jkr Cobbler @ 15/8

It has been 12 runs now since DARBUCKS last prevailed, he scored at Wetherby (1m) in June 2022.

His most recent performance indicates his next success will not be far away as he was second of eight runners at Carlisle (1m). This mark of 56 is 2lb lower than his last success so he remains well in at the weights.

Racing Post selection: Darbucks @ 9/2

Impressor, Cold Stare and Mereside Diva all come into this sprint race in good form and with recent wins behind them, but the consistent SACRED FALLS may get her day in the sun.

She has finished runner-up in each of her last four outings and the consistent three-year-old filly deserves another chance to get her nose in front.

Racing Post selection: Sacred Falls @ 6/1

MICHAEL'S PLEDGE has finished no worse than third place in his last five starts. He came home third at Thirsk (1m6f) on his latest attempt, finishing a long way clear of the rest of the field.

John Quinn had an excellent afternoon in France on Arc Day and he can return to the winner's enclosure in the finale at Ayr.

Racing Post selection: Michael's Pledge @ 5/2