The Weekend Winners panel has gathered to preview an exciting day of racing at Newbury, with the Group 3 Greenham Stakes taking center stage. A field of eight horses will compete in the seven-furlong event, led by Zavateri, trained by Eve Johnson Houghton, and Albert Einstein, trained by Aidan O'Brien. Other notable contenders include Title Role, Alparslan, Gonna Fly, and Needle Match.
According to the panel, "This is a highly intriguing race on paper. The favorite, Zavateri, struggled at Newmarket and will likely thrive on the straight track at Newbury. However, it's uncertain whether he will continue to improve, given his size and pedigree.
I'm going to take a chance against him. I'm backing Alparslan, who has a bit of ground to make up against Zavateri based on his performance in the Dewhurst. He drifted to a large 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. To stay up-to-date with the latest racing news, interviews, and features, download our app. Another panel member agrees with Zavateri, saying, "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 much shorter price than his current odds. Today on Sky Sports Racing, Zavateri and Albert Einstein will face off in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury. Today on Sky Sports Racing, the Spring Trials weekend commences 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. Another panel member says, "I'm backing 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.
For the latest horse racing news, interviews, and features from Sky Sports Racing, visit our website. 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 significant step forward from his previous effort, but he's a decent price to do so.
While the favorite has the standard form, I want to take him on in his seasonal debut. Watch the full Weekend Winners episode on the At The Races YouTube channel.