In a stunning turn of events, Alparslan has taken the top spot in the Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes at Newbury, outpacing highly-touted favorites Albert Einstein and Zavateri. This victory marks a significant milestone for Alparslan, positioning him as a genuine contender for the 2000 Guineas. Under the skilled guidance of Clifford Lee, Alparslan led the race from the front, showcasing his impressive speed and agility.
Despite a brief challenge from the favorites, Alparslan maintained his lead, crossing the finish line with a length to spare over Zavateri in second place. Trainer Karl Burke expressed his delight at the outcome, acknowledging that Alparslan has always shown potential for improvement.
Burke noted that while Alparslan's performance raises questions about his suitability for certain tracks, he is optimistic about the horse's future prospects. Meanwhile, Zavateri's trainer, Eve Johnson Houghton, reflected on her horse's respectable second-place finish, indicating that a decision on which Guineas to target next month is still pending.
In contrast, Albert Einstein's third-place finish has raised concerns about his distance capabilities, with Coolmore representative Kevin Buckley suggesting that the team will reassess their strategy. The day's racing also saw notable wins from Sukanya in the Dubai Duty Free Stakes and Convergent in the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes, with both horses demonstrating impressive skill and potential for future success.