Give a little love for Bay City Roller – the Guineas possible the trainer told his owner he had to buy

No wonder George Scott was smiling. When you fall in love with a yearling and tell your main owner to pay a huge sum of money for him it is quite important he turns out to be worth it.

And the trainer's judgement has proved spot on with the unbeaten Bay City Roller, who completed a hat-trick with a half-length win in the Betfred Champagne Stakes that earned him quotes for next year's 2,000 Guineas. 

The colt was stepping up to Group 2 company after novice victories at Sandown and Chelmsford, but his trainer said: "He hasn't surprised me at all, I've been a bit obsessed with him to be honest.

"I stuck my neck on the line and asked Sheikh Nasser, my main patron, to buy the horse and he did that on my recommendation. I'm just relieved.

"He's got an amazing physique and an amazing mind. He's by New Bay who's a wonder sire out of a Listed winner. His brother's rated 110. He ticked every box."

Scott is now considering aiming Bay City Roller at the Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp on Arc day.

"The track might suit him," the trainer said. "He's a neat horse and won't be inconvenienced by that turn. It's definitely a race we'll consider supplementing him for.

"He could end up coming back here for the Futurity, there's no doubt he'll get another furlong."

The 7-4 favourite Chancellor was withdrawn after bursting through the stalls, leaving a Rule 4 deduction of 35p in the pound. 

Jockey Robert Havlin said: "As the last one was coming in, one of the other horses kicked the back gates and he just launched into the front of them as if he thought it was time to jump. I tried to hang on to him, but he burst the gates open. He cut his mouth open so wasn't allowed to run."

Another Park triumph for Kinross

Kinross is back. Having failed to find top form previously this season, the high-class gelding returned to his best with a clear-cut success in the Betfred Park Stakes.

The seven-year-old, whose owner Marc Chan had won with Green Impact at Leopardstown earlier in the day, was repeating his 2022 success in the 7f contest and landing his ninth Group race in total.

"I'm proud to get him back," said winning trainer Ralph Beckett. "It hasn't been easy as he had a small issue at the end of last year. He's a very, very good horse and for him to still be doing it at seven is unusual in the extreme. 

"Everything was on his side today. If the ground is right he'll go to Ascot and the Foret, and maybe the Breeders' Cup as well. He'll dance every dance from now until the autumn."

Mulrennan considers Affair for Ayr

American Affair is a best-priced 12-1 for the Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup after leading close home to land the Betfred Portland for Jim Goldie and earn a 5lb penalty that should ensure him a spot in the field.

However, that is slightly mixed news for Paul Mulrennan, who has to now choose between this winner, stablemate Jordan Electrics and the Michael Dods-trained Northern Express in next Saturday's big handicap.

"I've got a headache now!" the jockey said. "I've got three to ride and I don't know what I'm going to be on! But it's a good headache to have."

American Affair (near side) gets the best of a tight finish to the PortlandCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

American Affair was winning off a BHA mark of 92, having started the year rated 70, and Mulrennan said: "He's done nothing but improve all year. Jim Goldie is some trainer. 

"The last couple of races he's been running with the choke out and not really finishing. Jim said today to ride him ice cold, I got him to switch off and he finished really well.

"What will he be like next year with another winter on his back? He's still very babyish and raw."

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'She's electric' - Porta Fortuna shows her class again as she completes a Group 1 hat-trick in the Matron Stakes 

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