'We never dreamed he'd take us this far' - sprinter who has improved 35lb has trainer 'very excited' for big Saturday mission

Jim Goldie believes American Affair could become one of the best sprinters he has had, and hopes his remarkable improver can make the next jump in Saturday's Betfred Temple Stakes (3.30) at Haydock.

The five-year-old, who is joint-owned by Goldie and Barraston Racing, has gone up 35lb in the handicap since winning at Musselburgh off a mark of 70 in April last year. He has returned this year in perfect style, having landed the Scottish Sprint Cup before impressing at York's Dante meeting last week.

American Affair will be significantly upped in class for the 5f Group 2 in which he will be bidding to give his trainer, who has races like the Northumberland Plate, John Smith's Cup and Stewards' Cup on his CV, a breakthrough triumph at that level.