Quinn is looking to make Newz as a city slicker

Jul 12 2008 by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post

ANGUS NEWZ has given the old ‘horses for courses’ adage a whole new meaning.

Mick Quinn’s popular mare is looking to make it 12 wins at a 12th different track at Chester in the toteswinger City Wall Stakes today.

Small stables, like former-footballer-turned trainer Quinn’s in Newmarket, need a flagbearer. And with 11 career victories so far, Angus Newz has been that.

But while they are testament to her ability and determination the most amazing thing about the consistent Compton Place five-year-old’s successes is that all 11 wins have come on different courses.

Chester, a track close to the Liverpool-born Quinn’s heart and sure to be populated this afternoon by the many Scousers who make it their summer race-day, would be ideal place to make it 12.

Since Angus Newz – who is part-owned by four Liverpool publicans including Quinn’s father – scored her maiden success on Merseyside at Haydock in June 2005 she has scored at Yarmouth, Warwick, Leicester, Nottingham, Sandown, Hamilton, Ripon, Newmarket (Rowley Mile), Carlisle and Newmarket (July course).

There have been three at Listed level and the last two came in quick succession in a little more than 48 hours at the end of last month. It was after that final win over the July course close to her Newmarlet stable that Quinn decided to have another crack at the City Wall.

Quinn came close to winning the race when his former stable flagbearer and speedy filly Dragon Flyer was second to Bishop’s Court two years running and then finished third to Fire Up The Band in 2004.

Quinn is hoping that with the ideal draw in stall one can help Angus Newz can give him that elusive success.

He said: “I have been second twice and I would love to go one better. This is a race I have always wanted to win. Chester is my favourite racetrack and to have any horse going there having a semblance of a chance is a buzz and also for the owners, who are all Scousers.

“It will be a wonderful day whatever and we all believe she has got a chance and with the draw a great each-way chance. These horses capable of winning a race like this don’t come around that often.

“At least we go there bang in form, with the best draw and the ground in her favour. It is just a case of if she is good enough after that.”

Although Angus Newz has mostly been consistent in 46 career starts, Quinn realises she will have to be at her best to score against some decent rivals. He added: “She is in great heart and she will give a good account of herself, but it is hard trying to dampen down all the lads’ enthusiasm. Because she is drawn one with the ground in her favour, they think you just have to turn up and win. It is not that straightforward as it is a good race this year. If she does win she’ll deserve it.

“It is a better race than I have seen in recent years. We are rated 95. But you have Stewards’ Cup winner Bordeslecott rated 110, Henry Candy’s Oldjoesaid rated 107, Bertoliver 108, Green Manalishi 98 and Hoh Hoh Hoh 104 in there.”

Quinn is keen for her to make the most of that plumb stall in one.

He added: “She is usually quickly away. Micky Fenton rides. He won on her as a two-year-old and was third in the Listed race at Newmarket. We were lucky to get someone who knows her because with Ascot, York, Hamilton, Nottingham and Salisbury all on the same day it has been hard geting a jockey.”

CHESTER PREDICTIONS: 2.25pm Captain Marvelous 3pm Cheshire Prince 3.35pm Angus Newz (NAP) 4.10pm Red Baron Dancer, 4.45pm Merrymaker 5.20pm Just Oscar. TOMORROW’S NAP:We Have A Dream (3.50pm Haydock)