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Last week’s Doncaster winner shooting for swift handicap double.
American Affair is set to follow up his recent triumph in the Portland Stakes as he bids for victory in the Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup Handicap on Saturday. The four-year-old sprinter has shown consistent form throughout the season, finishing in the money in all seven starts over five to five and a half furlongs.
Trained by Jim Goldie, American Affair's rating has risen significantly, from 70 to 94, after an impressive career-best performance at Doncaster last weekend, where he claimed victory under Paul Mulrennan and a winning prize of over £50,000. However, the quick turnaround means he will carry a 5lb penalty in the 25-runner event, bringing his total weight to 9st 2lb.
Drama at @DoncasterRaces!
American Affair denies Apollo One right at the last in the Portland Handicap for @PMulrennan and @JimGoldieRacing…
— Sky Sports Racing (@SkySportsRacing) September 14, 2024
If successful, American Affair would become the first Scottish-trained winner of the Ayr Gold Cup since Roman Warrior in 1975. A win would also complete the set for jockey Paul Mulrennan, who has previously triumphed in the Ayr Silver and Bronze Cups.
Trainer Jim Goldie, recovering from a hip operation, will watch from home as he also sends out Jordan Electrics as another contender. Speaking ahead of the race, Mulrennan expressed excitement, saying, "I’m looking forward to riding him, he was very good in the Portland and a change of tactics seemed to suit him. He's a sprinter on the upgrade."
After my hip operation, I won't make the Ayr Gold Cup festival @ayrracecourse for the 1st time in nearly 30 years but it was lovely to have @PMulrennan & @acmulrennan over for a visit! pic.twitter.com/Y7CogjZtHs
— Jim Goldie Racing (@JimGoldieRacing) September 18, 2024
Meanwhile, Mick Appleby’s Billyjoh, who boasts strong form in high-profile handicaps, lines up for his 15th start of a productive season, with Alistair Rawlinson riding from stall 18. Appleby believes the conditions will suit, adding, "He seems to like the bigger fields, and there's a bit of pace around him which will suit."
Kevin Ryan also brings a strong hand to the race, with four entries, including Aleezdancer, who will represent co-owner Jack Berry. Aleezdancer is targeting a strong performance, especially if the ground softens, with Berry recalling his previous close efforts, "He would have a fair chance, but he likes some give in the ground."
For Berry, who retired from training in 2000, the race holds additional significance. "When we won the Ayr Gold Cup in 1988 with So Careful, he was bottom-weight. It would be poignant if Aleezdancer won, as So Careful’s owner Tommy Doherty passed away last week."
With fierce competition expected from across the field, the Ayr Gold Cup promises to be an exciting spectacle as American Affair looks to create a piece of history for Scottish racing.
