Alparslan Stuns Favorites in Greenham Stakes at Newbury

In a remarkable performance, Alparslan, trained by Karl Burke, has beaten highly-touted favorites Zavateri and Albert Einstein in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury, establishing himself as a genuine contender for the 2000 Guineas. The race was dominated by Aidan O'Brien's Albert Einstein and Eve Johnson Houghton's Group One winner Zavateri in the betting, but Alparslan, winner of a valuable sales race in Ireland in his juvenile campaign, was given a free rein in front under Clifford Lee. Despite a brief challenge from the two favorites, Alparslan had a length in hand at the line, with Zavateri finishing second after encountering some trouble during the race. Burke expressed his delight with the performance, stating, 'I thought we were coming here under the radar, and he was always entitled to improve off his three starts last year.' He also noted that the track might not be an issue for Alparslan, but it is a question mark. Meanwhile, Johnson Houghton will consider which version of the 2000 Guineas to tackle next month with Zavateri, while Coolmore representative Kevin Buckley acknowledged that Albert Einstein's performance was creditable, but the main point of conversation will be the distance. In other racing news, Sukanya, trained by Jack Channon, came from last to first to win the Dubai Duty Free Stakes, denting the Classic aspirations of Touleen. Convergent, trained by Karl Burke, also defied congestion to win the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes, with Burke believing his winner has earned the right to mix it in elite company.