Doyle: Zavateri Is the Main Contender in the Greenham Stakes

Hollie Doyle shares her thoughts on a busy Saturday of racing in her exclusive blog. Archie Watson is sending two promising young horses to Thirsk, and I'll be riding them. Before Merlier attempts a hat-trick, our two-year-old Niewiadoma makes her debut in the British EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes. I've been preparing her for this first race, and I'm pleased with her progress. She has natural speed and a great attitude, which will serve her well. Her rivals are all newcomers, including Karl Burke's daughter of Blue Point Bai Tong. I'm looking forward to riding Merlier again in the Stirrup Bar For Deli-Style Dinning Packages Handicap. He's been progressive on the All-Weather and has earned an opening rating of 85. Today, Sky Sports Racing features the Greenham Stakes at Newbury, where Zavateri and Albert Einstein will face off. Newbury tips suggest Zavateri is the favorite to win the Greenham Stakes on Saturday. Stepping into a handicap for the first time will be a challenge for Merlier, but I'm happy with his middle draw. With good ground, I'm expecting Warm Spell to go close in the Join Racing TV Today Handicap. I'll be riding Idyllic in the Happy 21st Birthday Lily Watkinson Handicap, a mare who won at the track last summer and should enjoy similar conditions. Meanwhile, Solar Biricz will be racing in the Nick Simpson Cannot Be 60 Handicap. I'm hoping Eve Johnson Houghton and Charlie Bishop can keep their Classic dreams alive with Zavateri in the Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes at Newbury. Their Without Parole colt sets the standard after a win in the Group 1 National Stakes in Ireland. The Group 3 Dubai Duty Free Stakes looks like an open renewal, with several fillies holding similar prospects. I'm convinced Shadwell's Touleen is better than she showed in the Rockfel last autumn, but she'll need to be to win this traditional Classic trial. Returning to this flatter track, where she won on debut, Owen Burrows' filly should go well but may have the most to fear from Richard and Peter Fahey's Catching The Moon. I also expect Simon and Ed Crisford's Shout to fare better than he did at Doncaster. I'm hoping to see old Al Aasy win the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes for Tom Marquand and William Haggas. The gallant nine-year-old loves this track and can keep Karl Burke's likely favorite Convergent on his toes.