Godolphin duo deserve a shot at ‘hot’ Coventry

Saeed bin Suroor sends Dubai Legacy and Burj in with a sporting chance against big guns Sergei Prokofiev and Calyx in the G2 Coventry Stakes on Royal Ascot’s first day.

Rarely has there been such intense discussion on the week’s premier juvenile race, as rival stables argue the merits of their respective runners.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained Sergei Prokofiev has twice been very impressive in Ireland, while Newmarket trainer John Gosden produced Calyx for a sparkling win on racecourse debut only 10 days ago.

But Saeed is happy that his two juveniles have the right credentials for the hotly contested 24-runner two-year-old race.

Dubai Legacy won on debut, over six and a half furlongs at Doncaster, while Burj improved on his second outing to win a six-furlong novice on the all-weather at Wolverhampton.

Saeed said, “I was very pleased with Dubai Legacy’s success at Doncaster, and the Coventry looks the right race for him.

“He won on a softer surface, but I think he will be fine on quicker ground,” he pointed out.

Of Burj, the trainer said, “Burj won well last time out on the all-weather, having run well on quick ground on his first start, and he is ready to take the step up in class.

“It looks a very competitive race, but we have two contenders who deserve to take their chance,” he added.