Alparslan Upsets Favorites in Greenham Stakes

In a remarkable turn of events, Alparslan took the top spot in the Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes at Newbury, outpacing highly favored contenders Zavateri and Albert Einstein. With this win, Alparslan positions himself as a genuine contender for the 2000 Guineas. Trainer Karl Burke expressed his thoughts, saying, 'I thought we were coming here under the radar, and he was always entitled to improve off his three starts last year.' The race was dominated by Aidan O'Brien's Albert Einstein and Eve Johnson Houghton's Group One winner Zavateri, but Alparslan, under Clifford Lee, was given the run of the race in front. Despite the two big guns briefly threatening to overtake him, Alparslan had a length in hand at the line, with Zavateri finishing off nicely in second. The performance raises questions about Alparslan's ability to handle different tracks, with Burke mentioning that the Curragh might suit him well, having previously won there. Meanwhile, Zavateri's handler, Eve Johnson Houghton, considers which version of the 2000 Guineas to tackle next month, while Albert Einstein's team ponders the main point of conversation - distance. Other notable performances include Sukanya's win in the Dubai Duty Free Stakes and Convergent's victory in the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes, both at Newbury.