Alparslan Upsets Favorites in Greenham Stakes

In a stunning turn of events, Alparslan has asserted himself as a genuine contender for the 2000 Guineas with a remarkable victory in the Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes at Newbury, leaving behind highly-touted favorites Albert Einstein and Zavateri. The race, dominated by the presence of Aidan O'Brien's Albert Einstein and Eve Johnson Houghton's Group One winner Zavateri, saw Karl Burke's Alparslan take the lead under Clifford Lee, who skillfully navigated the course to secure a length victory over Zavateri. The outcome has significant implications for the upcoming Guineas, with Alparslan's performance suggesting he may have what it takes to compete at the highest level. Burke expressed his optimism about Alparslan's future, hinting at potential participation in both the English and Irish Guineas, while also acknowledging the need to address the question of the horse's ability to handle the mile distance. Meanwhile, Johnson Houghton and Coolmore representative Kevin Buckley reflected on the performances of Zavateri and Albert Einstein, respectively, with decisions pending on which version of the 2000 Guineas each horse will contest. The day's events at Newbury also featured notable wins by Sukanya in the Dubai Duty Free Stakes, who upset favorite Touleen, and Convergent in the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes, a victory that has Burke and jockey Clifford Lee dreaming of bigger days ahead.