THE penultimate race meeting of the year takes place this afternoon on Knavesmire on what looks to be a typically competitive card.

The race of the afternoon could prove to be the opener at 2.05, where plenty of types who have been threatening successes in recent weeks come to blows.

Mr Wagyu makes a quick turnaround after an impressive Ayr performance in stronger company six days ago, while Cairn Island doesn’t have many miles on the clock this season and could have more to offer.

Chairmanoftheboard ran very well at Doncaster earlier this month and wouldn’t be a surprise winner, either.

The last meeting of the season at York takes place on Saturday October 9th, and clerk of the course William Derby will be hoping that this recent Indian summer continues until at least that date.

Here, myracing previews three of the day's races.

2.05

John Quinn, trainer of Mr Wagyu: "He's an amazing horse. 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.

Adam Ryan, Assistant trainer of Cairn Island: "It was good to see him back to form. He's lightly raced this season and 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."

Mr Wagyu has had a fine season and he showed he wasn't over the top with last week's fine third in the Ayr Gold Cup. He's a big player under conditions that suit him well and should make them all go but there are some interesting opponents. Treacherous and Chairmanoftheboard ran promising races at Doncaster a fortnight ago, while both of Tim Easterby's runners have something to recommend them. CAIRN ISLAND still brings aspirations of developing into a top sprint handicapper though and he may be able to follow up last month's commanding Newmarket success.

2.40

Roger Fell, trainer of La Trinidad: "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."

John Quinn, trainer of Poet’s Magic: "She's had a very good season and it was the best run of her life when she just got beaten at Ayr. She loves the turning track, she's kept her form well and she seems absolutely fine. She's a lovely animal to have."

A lot of these have chances and the pace should be strong with a few front-runners in opposition. It might just set up well again for FIRMAMENT who benefited from sitting off strong fractions when returning to winning ways at Newcastle. Danzan is second choice, while Poet's Magic is a model of consistency and may fare best of the prominent racers.

Selected other race tips:

3.15

Following a tough Listed assignment, OBJECT could be the way to go given how well his Newmarket win has worked out. Trust Bertie looks promising but the big danger could be Roach Power on his return to 6f.

3.50

Cosmos Raj continues to improve and, although beaten in his hat-trick bid last time, he was second to one who has since followed up. However, preference is for A BOY NAMED IVY, who was short-headed at Thirsk last time and may well have won granted a clear run. Invincibly has improved since being gelded and is respected under a 6lb penalty for last week's win at Ayr.