Jim Goldie favouring Ascot date for American Affair

Jim Goldie is leaning towards Champions Day at Ascot over the Breeders’ Cup for his stable star American Affair.

The King Charles III Stakes victor was one of the most popular winners at Royal Ascot and had Goldie dreaming of a trip to America.

However, a setback in the days after Ascot put plans on hold for the five-year-old and he is still only in light work, which makes Goldie think he should target just one race.

“We’re still in pre-season mode with him, if that makes sense, we’re planning towards October time so we’ve eight to 10 weeks,” said Goldie.

“We haven’t made a final decision about America yet, but I think it’s more likely that we go to Ascot with him as I don’t want to do both as that would mean rushing him.

“Obviously the Ascot race is six furlongs and he might just be a five-furlong specialist, but if he’s not that’s another string to his bow.”

Goldie finished second in the 2012 British Champions Sprint with Hawkeyethenoo while Jack Dexter was beaten just a neck the following year, so the handler is eager to finally secure the title.

“The point about Ascot is I’ve seen it, been there and done it but not quite won it! I’ve come close a few times and we’ve had horses run well there whereas going halfway around the world, it could be too firm for him,” he said.

“The option is there next year if we need it. We know how his form is stacking up as the horse we beat easy twice this year (Jm Jungle) is now going for the Nunthorpe after winning at Goodwood.

“I do like Champions Day. Jack Dexter won the race after Frankel there but nobody remembers as everyone was still talking about Frankel!

“I had it in my head we were going to America but I wanted a prep-race and I could only see two. The Ayr Gold Cup or Ascot, and Ascot was only 10 days or so before.

“I spoke to Tadhg O’Shea who rides all over the world and he said you want to ideally get them over there in plenty of time to acclimatise, so it then became one or the other so that’s where we are. I’d think it’s Ascot but I’ll sit on the fence as long as I can.”