Spencer happy to play waiting game with ‘exciting’ Gold Digger

Albany Stakes sixth Gold Digger might not be seen again this season, having suffered a setback following her promising run at Royal Ascot.

An impressive winner at Yarmouth on debut, Richard Spencer’s exciting daughter of Starman was not disgraced when beaten just over four lengths at the Royal meeting and that form looks strong, with the winner Venetian Sun subsequently landing the Duchess of Cambridge at Newmarket and the fourth home Fitzella striking gold in the Princess Margaret Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

However, immediate plans are on hold for Gold Digger, with connections eager to take a patient approach with a filly Spencer describes as “one of the best we’ve had for a while”.

“The form is very good but she had a little niggle after Ascot so she won’t be out anytime shortly,” said the trainer.

“Whether we can get her back out in the autumn I don’t know, but we won’t be rushing her because she’s very talented.

“She will be a three-year-old so we’re not going to rush to get her back just for this year, so we’ll mind her and if we have to, wait until next year.”

On plans for her return, Spencer added: “If anything we will be dropping back to five furlongs to start off with then potentially stepping back up to six, but she’s got so much speed. She got quicker from her Yarmouth debut to the Albany, so she’ll be going five I would say wherever she goes.

“She won’t run until she says she’s ready and we won’t be rushing, but she’s exciting though and probably one of the best we’ve had for a while.”