The Weekend Winners panel is back to preview a significant day of racing from Newbury, with the Group 3 Greenham Stakes taking center stage. A field of eight is set to compete in the seven-furlong contest, with Zavateri, trained by Eve Johnson Houghton, and Aidan O'Brien's Albert Einstein leading the pack at the time of writing.
Other notable contenders include Title Role, Alparslan, Gonna Fly, and Needle Match. "This is a highly intriguing race on paper, with the favorite, Zavateri, likely to appreciate the return to a straight track after a disappointing performance at Newmarket.
However, it's unclear whether he will continue to improve, given his size and pedigree. I'm inclined to oppose him. "I'm backing Alparslan, who has some ground to make up on Zavateri based on their previous meeting in the Dewhurst. He drifted to a large price that day, suggesting something may have been amiss.
With a lack of pace in the race, he could secure an easy lead and dominate. "Stay up-to-date with the latest racing news, interviews, and features on your phone. Find out more.
"I'm supporting Zavateri, who won the National Stakes last season and doesn't carry a Group 1 penalty for that victory. He would need to underperform significantly to be beaten today. The other runners, such as Albert Einstein and Title Role, have question marks surrounding them, so I'm sticking with the class angle, which I believe should be shorter than his current price. "Today on Sky Sports Racing: Zavateri and Albert Einstein clash in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury.
"Today on Sky Sports Racing: The Spring Trials weekend commences at Newbury. "Newmarket: Oxagon claims Craven Stakes success for the in-form Gosden team. "Newmarket: Azleet enters 1000 Guineas contention after a 50-1 Nell Gwyn Stakes win.
"Hollie Doyle blog: Hoping to learn more about Derby hope Wareeth in the Feilden Stakes at Newmarket. "Evan Williams: Trainer sentenced to three years in prison for causing grievous bodily harm with intent over a hockey stick attack on a 72-year-old.
"My choice is Needle Match, who doesn't fit the typical profile of recent winners. However, his trainer has made comments suggesting he has some promising three-year-olds this season, and this colt could be one of them. "See the latest horse racing news, interviews, and features from Sky Sports Racing.
"He won on soft ground at Newbury, but I don't think quicker ground will be an issue based on his pedigree. Although he needs to take a significant step forward, he's a decent price to do so. While the favorite has the standard form, I'm willing to oppose him in his seasonal reappearance. "Watch Weekend Winners in full on the At The Races YouTube channel.