Alparslan proved himself a serious prospect for the 2000 Guineas after delivering a striking performance at Newbury's Greenham Stakes, a race that saw him outpace two highly‑rated rivals, Zavateri and Albert Einstein. The event, often used as a trial for the classic mile, was dominated in the betting market by Aidan O'Brien's Albert Einstein and Eve Johnson Houghton's Group One winner Zavateri.
Yet it was Karl Burke's Alparslan, a colt who had previously captured a valuable sales race in Ireland as a two‑year‑old and had finished behind Zavateri in the Dewhurst, who took centre stage under the guidance of jockey Clifford Lee. Both Albert Einstein and Zavateri made brief, aggressive moves that threatened to close the gap, but Alparslan, starting at 9‑1, held a clear advantage and crossed the line a length ahead. Zavateri, after encountering some trouble in the closing stages, managed to finish strongly in second place.
After the race, Burke expressed his optimism: "We came in under the radar, and Alparslan was always destined to improve after his three starts last season. These trials are always unpredictable, but beating those two top‑class horses tells us a lot." He added that the colt had not taken well to the undulating track at Newmarket during the Dewhurst, possibly due to immaturity at two, but that the experience might not be a lasting issue.
Burke also noted that Alparslan is a big, somewhat awkward horse, questioning whether he would enjoy the bends at Longchamp, but suggesting that the Curragh could suit him, especially after a previous win there. He believes the horse still has the potential to compete in both the English and Irish Guineas and hinted that a longer distance, perhaps a mile, could be a suitable test. Zavateri, a standout of the previous season who only lost his unbeaten record by finishing fourth in the Dewhurst, showed no signs of decline with an honest second place.
Trainer Eve Johnson Houghton said she would decide which version of the 2000 Guineas to target next month, noting that the horse ran a lovely race, appeared fresh, and benefited from a slow pace that allowed Ryan Moore to place Albert Einstein in a pocket. She praised the horse's improvement when given the chance and admitted she would not be disappointed regardless of the outcome. While a French classic seemed unlikely, the decision would likely be between the English and Irish Guineas.
For Coolmore, the focus shifted to distance after Albert Einstein finished third. Representative Kevin Buckley said the race was muddled but respectable, and that they would discuss the horse's future with jockey Ryan Moore and trainer Aidan O'Brien.
Buckley emphasized that Einstein still showed the ability to stay in the mix and that the surface at Newmarket suited him better, suggesting that further analysis would determine the best path forward. In another highlight of the meeting, Jack Channon's filly Sukanya turned a last‑place position into a victory, denting the classic hopes of Touleen in the Dubai Duty Free Stakes. Sukanya, who had placed fourth in a Group Three at Goodwood and second in a Listed race at Leopardstown, had seemed limited after a lackluster finish in the Rockfel Stakes. Sent off at 16‑1, she was held at the rear by jockey David Probert before being unleashed at the furlong pole, overtaking the 5‑4 favourite Touleen, who had been leading under Saffie Osborne.
Sukanya surged ahead to win by three‑quarters of a length. Channon praised his filly, calling her a very good, high‑class performer who had been the standout among his two‑year‑olds. He noted previous unlucky finishes, including a fourth behind Precise in the Prestige at Goodwood and a second to Diamond Necklace at Leopardstown, and argued that she had been over‑rated in the Rockfel.
He believes Sukanya will now be campaigned in top‑level races, possibly supplementing for the 1000 Guineas, though she prefers firm ground. He is also considering the Irish 1000 Guineas but would not object to a Newmarket run if required. Touleen’s trainer Owen Burrows admitted the filly did not accelerate as expected, attributing it either to rustiness or a lack of the speed she displayed in earlier outings. He remained optimistic that she could still contest the Guineas, emphasizing that she performed well overall despite the defeat.
The meeting also featured a thrilling win for Karl Burke and jockey Clifford Lee aboard Convergent in the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes, more commonly known as the John Porter Stakes. The race, initially expected to feature Constitution Hill, proceeded without the Nicky Henderson star but still attracted a strong field. Lee, returning from a serious quad‑bike accident that had left him in intensive care, guided the 4‑1 shot to a narrow victory, marking a significant comeback for both rider and horse.
Lee described the emotional significance of the win, noting that after receiving medical clearance he was eager to ride a horse of this calibre. He praised Convergent’s resilience, recalling that the colt had been lightly raced in the German Derby the previous year and showed great engine throughout the race.
Lee highlighted the horse’s ability to settle and maintain composure, suggesting he could compete at the highest level over the distance. Burke, buoyed by the performance, believes Convergent now belongs in elite company and is targeting major summer contests such as the Coronation Cup at Epsom and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.
He noted that if the horse remains sound and continues to progress, a Group One victory is within reach, perhaps making Convergent the best middle‑distance performer he has trained since Al Qareem, who excelled over a mile and a half. Overall, the Greenham meeting delivered a mix of surprise victories, promising prospects for classic races, and inspiring comebacks, underscoring the depth and excitement of the current flat racing season.