BEN Ainslie has been full of praise for Portland-based Giles Scott, who is set to win gold today in Rio, insisting the sailor can be dominant in the Finn class for years to come.

Scott has been on top of the event since the beginning and goes into tonight's medal race with the victory already sewn up - a rare feat in the Olympics.

Speaking to BBC South Today, Ainslie, who has won three gold medals at the Olympics, said: "It's an amazing achievement for Giles. He really has been totally dominant.

"To win gold without having to even compete in the medal races is rare," Ainslie added.

"It's a huge credit to him and his coach Matt Howard. I know how hard they've worked, not only over the last four years, but before as well to get to that point.

"I think he's totally dominant in the class right now. I know he wants to pursue other areas in his career, such as the America's Cup.

"But it's entirely down to him. He could certainly dominate the class through the next Olympic cycle and further if he chooses to."

After his first Olympic medal, Scott is set to join Ainslie's BAR Land Rover America's Cup team in 2017.