Jim Goldie is of the opinion that the “fast and furious” nature of Goodwood will benefit American Affair following the unfortunate defence of his King Charles III Stakes crown at Royal Ascot.
Having produced a stirring performance 12 months ago to provide Goldie with his maiden Group One winner, he was subsequently ruled out for the rest of the season through injury.
The six-year-old gelding returned to action in the Minster Stakes in May before only finding Night Raider too good in the Temple Stakes at Haydock 10 days later, sparking dreams of a Royal Ascot repeat.
American Affair raced too keen in Berkshire and ended up trailing in last of the 26 runners in the five-furlong contest, however, his Scottish handler is already looking ahead to next month’s King George Qatar Stakes on July 31.
“We are hoping to head to Goodwood for the King George – the five-furlong dash down the hill,” Goldie said.
“He probably didn’t excel at Ascot, he settled to start with and the horses just tightened him up and he didn’t appreciate it.
“Paul (Mulrennen, jockey) struggled to get him off heels, it was just the way the race developed, it happened quite quickly.
“We were where the Australian horse (Overpass) was and a lot of folk wanted to follow that. They came about and just tightened him up and he started too keen.
“He likes his own space. They sat around him around two furlongs out and he ran his race.
“We will probably go forward at Goodwood, they go fast and furious and that will suit him.”