'He's amazing' - star handicappers out to deliver for John Quinn at York

William Hill Extra Places Races Handicap | 6f | 3yo+ | ITV4/RTV

John Quinn is happy to roll the dice once more with two potential handicappers of the season fresh from career-best efforts last week at Ayr.

Any trainer would be keen to go again with the amazing Mr Wagyu and Poet's Magic, who seem better than ever after busy seasons in which they have run 23 times between them for eight wins, seven second places and three thirds.

The pair have risen a combined total of 48lb in the handicap in 2021 yet each races off a mark lower this afternoon than they will do from Saturday and are reportedly in fine shape for their latest assignments.

Mr Wagyu, who won the Stewards' Cup consolation race at Goodwood in July, did best of the runners who raced in the centre when third in the Ayr Gold Cup and faces ten rivals rather than 23 in the 6f handicap here.

Mr Wagyu (orange cap) best of those drawn in the centre when third in the Ayr Gold CupCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"He's amazing," Quinn said. "He's come out of Ayr well and he seems in very good nick. It was another career-best in the Ayr Gold Cup. We expect another good run."

By contrast, Cairn Island raced for just the third time this season when winning at Newmarket last month.

"It was good to see him back to form," said trainer Kevin Ryan's son and assistant Adam. "He's lightly raced this season and it's nice to have a fresh horse at this time of year.

"He must have a big shout after winning at York last year. He came out of his last race fine and we're going there with plenty of confidence."

'She's had a very good season'

Poet's Magic was headed in the final strides and beaten a neck in a 7f handicap at Ayr and bids for compensation in a similar event here (2.40).

"She's had a very good season and it was the best run of her life when she just got beaten at Ayr," Quinn said.

"She loves the turning track, she's kept her form well and she seems absolutely fine. She's a lovely animal to have."

Poet's Magic (blue and white) was pipped by Northern Express at AyrCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Roger Fell drops mile and 1m1f course winner La Trinidad back in trip and said: "If there was a mile race I'd run him in that but he loves York and if they go quick it will suit him, he loves following front-runners."

Quinn's son Sean is among 12 amateurs who finally get their chance to race at York in the Ernest Cooper Macmillan Ride of Their Lives, which opens the card.

They were selected for the contest in December 2019 and were originally due to ride in June 2020, only for the event to be postponed due to Covid-19.

Each rider pledged to raise a minimum of £4,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and the dozen have already collected more than £130,000 between them. Donations can be made via JustGiving or the York racecourse website.

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