Big day ahead for Brisland as Magnus secures big-race spot

First-season trainer Robyn Brisland was bracing himself for what could be "a very big day in a short career" after stable star Magnus Maximus was on Monday guaranteed a start in Saturday's William Hill Ayr Gold Cup.

The 8lb penalty he collected for wins at Ascot and Chelmsford on his last two starts helped secure the 21st slot in the £200,000 sprint handicap, for which there is a maximum field of 25, at the five-day entry stage, resulting in his odds being cut to 14-1 (from 33) by the race sponsor.

"It looks like he's very comfortably in," said Brisland. "This is what we have been aiming to do since June, when we first thought he could become that type of horse. He seems in cracking form."