The Weekend Winners panel is back to preview a major racing event at Newbury, highlighted by the Group 3 Greenham Stakes. Eight horses are competing in the seven-furlong contest, with Zavateri, trained by Eve Johnson Houghton, and Aidan O'Brien's Albert Einstein leading the field at the time of writing.
Other notable participants include Title Role, Alparslan, Gonna Fly, and Needle Match. "This race looks intriguing on paper.
The favorite, Zavateri, struggled at Newmarket and will appreciate the return to a straight track. However, it's uncertain if he will continue to improve, given his size and pedigree. I'm going to challenge him.
"I'm backing Alparslan, who has some ground to make up with Zavateri based on his performance in the Dewhurst. He drifted to a high price that day, suggesting something was amiss.
With limited pace in the race, he could take an easy lead and dominate. "Stay up-to-date with the latest racing news, interviews, and features on your phone. Learn more.
"I'm supporting Zavateri, who won the National Stakes last season and doesn't have a Group 1 penalty for that win here - a significant advantage. He would need to underperform substantially to be beaten today. "There are many question marks surrounding other runners, such as Albert Einstein and Title Role, so I'm sticking with the class angle - who I believe should be at a shorter 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 kicks off at Newbury.
"Newmarket: Oxagon wins the Craven Stakes for the in-form Gosden team. "Newmarket: Azleet enters 1000 Guineas contention after a 50-1 win in the Nell Gwyn Stakes.
"Hollie Doyle's blog: Hoping to learn more about Derby hope Wareeth in the Feilden Stakes at Newmarket. "Evan Williams: Trainer sentenced to three years 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 about having some promising three-year-olds this season, and this horse 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 faster ground will be an issue based on his pedigree. He needs to take a significant step forward from his previous effort, but he's a decent price to do so. Don't underestimate the favorite, who has the standard form, but I want to challenge him in his seasonal debut.
"Watch the full Weekend Winners episode on the At The Races YouTube channel.