The Weekend Winners team is back to preview an exciting day of racing at Newbury, with the Group 3 Greenham Stakes taking center stage. Eight horses are set to compete in the seven-furlong event, with Zavateri, trained by Eve Johnson Houghton, and Aidan O'Brien's Albert Einstein leading the pack at the time of writing. Title Role, Alparslan, Gonna Fly, and Needle Match are also in the running.
"On paper, this is a truly captivating race. The favorite, Zavateri, really struggled at Newmarket and will likely thrive on the straight track.
However, it's uncertain whether he will continue to improve, given his size and pedigree. I'm inclined to bet against him.
"I'm backing Alparslan, who has some ground to make up against Zavateri based on his performance in the Dewhurst. He drifted to a high price that day, which suggests 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. 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, which is 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 than their current odds. Catch the action 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 claims Craven Stakes victory 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. "I'm going with 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 horse could be one of them. Check out 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. He needs to take a massive step forward from his previous effort, but he's at a decent price to do so.
While the favorite has the best form, I want to bet against him in his seasonal debut. Watch the full Weekend Winners episode on the At The Races YouTube channel.