Alparslan Stuns Favorites in Greenham Stakes at Newbury

Alparslan has emerged as a strong contender for the 2000 Guineas after defeating top contenders Zavateri and Albert Einstein in the Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes at Newbury. Despite being overshadowed by the favorites in the betting, Karl Burke's Alparslan, who won a valuable sales race in Ireland as a juvenile, was given a clear run in front under Clifford Lee. The two favorites briefly threatened to overtake him, but Alparslan held on with a length to spare, finishing ahead of Zavateri in second. Burke expressed his delight, stating that Alparslan has always been entitled to improve and has now beaten the right horses. He noted that the track might not be an issue, but it is a question mark, and they will consider both the English and Irish 2000 Guineas. Local handler Eve Johnson Houghton was pleased with Zavateri's honest second-place finish and will now decide which version of the 2000 Guineas to tackle next month. In contrast, Albert Einstein's third-place finish has raised questions about his distance capabilities, with Coolmore representative Kevin Buckley stating that they will discuss the next steps with Aidan O'Brien and the owners.