Semple sweet on Boy

/ Editor / 18 June 2007 / Leave a Comment

Trainer Ian Semple believes his Burnwynd Boy has an excellent chance of upsetting some of his better bred rivals in the opening race at Royal Ascot on Tuesday.

The two-year-old is one of 20 entries in the Coventry Stakes and Semple thinks his colt deserves his place in the line-up.

Unbeaten in two starts, the son of Tobougg will be flying the flag for his native country.

"He's Scottish-trained, Scottish-owned and even Scottish-bred, and it's a bit like Albion Rovers taking on Chelsea," said his trainer, "but he's got every right to be there, and you never know.

"He's beaten fancied ones of Mark Johnston's, and one from Mick Channon's. And both times the jockeys said there was more in the tank."

Semple added: "We haven't had the foot right down with him yet, a stiff six furlongs will suit him very well, the ground will be right up his street, and from his draw in seven he'll get a good tow along.

"He races like a good horse, he works like one, and has the right temperament, just eats, sleeps and goes to work."

Burnwynd Boy can be matched at a healthy 60 for the Group Two contest, in a market headed by Aidan O'Brien's Henrythenavigator on 2.98.

Paul Cole's Luck Money, impressive when winning at Newmarket last month, is available at 6.4 with recent Epsom winner Declaration of War next best on 7.2.