Jim Goldie’s Portland winner, American Affair, is set for a swift turnaround as he lines up for the Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup on Saturday.
Goldie enjoyed a notable double at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting, securing victories with Faylaq in the Mallard Handicap and the rapidly improving American Affair in Portland.
The trainer is also likely to enter another horse in top form, Jordan Electrics, who has seen a 30lb rise in the weights this season at the age of eight.
The recent successes have been a welcome boost for Goldie, who is currently recovering from a hip replacement operation.
"I’m doing well and back on my feet, but I’ve been advised not to overdo it," Goldie shared. "The weekend’s results were a great lift. Winning the Mallard and the Portland is very special to me, and Doncaster has always been lucky for me."
Goldie confirmed that American Affair, who started the season rated 72 and won at Doncaster off 92 with a 5lb penalty, is likely to participate in the Ayr Gold Cup.
"I think he’ll run," Goldie said. "He was the favourite on Saturday, and even though he was beaten at Haydock the week before, he was on the wrong side of the track. The Sprint Cup followed, and horses on that side were beaten by five lengths or more. He’s a very exciting sprinter and seems to be improving. This race is over six furlongs; he won over five-and-a-half on Saturday, and while I’m unsure if he’ll be as effective over six, all his recent improvement has been over five. The Ayr Gold Cup is a tough race to win, and while having a horse in form is a great advantage, you also need a good draw, which is yet to be determined. If he runs in the same form as last week, he should have a strong chance."
Goldie will have two strong contenders, including Jordan Electrics, who is also among the ante-post favourites. This gives Goldie a chance to become the first Scottish-based trainer to win since Nigel Angus with Roman Warrior in 1975.
"Jordan Electrics’ form is impressive, but he was on the favoured far side at York, which might have flattered him a bit," Goldie noted. "He’s still in great shape. I’ve never had a horse improve as much as he has in one season. Hawkeyethenoo improved significantly, but not all in one season. I’m managing my recovery well; I’m in less pain and getting back to normal, though I’m trying to take it easy!"
Other leading contenders confirmed for the race include Albasheer, Ramazan, and last year’s winner, Significantly.