The Weekend Winners panel is back to set the scene for an exciting day of racing at Newbury, with the Group 3 Greenham Stakes taking centre stage. Eight runners have been entered for the seven‑furlong contest, and the current market leaders are the Eve Johnson Houghton‑trained Zavateri and Aidan O'Brien’s Albert Einstein.
Sharing the same silks as O’Brien’s Albert Einstein is Title Role, while Alparslan, Gonna Fly and Needle Match round out the field. The panelists each offered their own take on the race, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the contenders and explaining why they backed particular horses.
One commentator described the race as "really fascinating on paper" and noted that Zavateri, the favourite, had struggled at Newmarket but would likely relish a return to a straight track. "He’s a big horse with a strong pedigree, so there’s no guarantee he’ll train on today," the analyst said, before adding, "I’m taking him on because I think the conditions suit him." Another voice leaned toward Alparslan, recalling the colt’s disappointing run in the Dewhurst where he drifted to a very long price, suggesting something had been off.
"There isn’t a lot of early speed in this race, so Alparslan could take the lead and dominate," the tipster argued, emphasizing the tactical advantage of a front‑running style. A third panelist backed Zavateri again, pointing out that the horse had won the National Stakes last season and, crucially, does not carry a Group 1 penalty for that victory in the Greenham Stakes.
"He would have to underperform dramatically to be beaten today," the pundit said, noting the uncertainty surrounding rivals such as Albert Einstein and Title Role. "That’s why I’m sticking with the class angle – his price doesn’t reflect his true ability." The broadcast schedule for Sky Sports Racing includes a head‑to‑head showdown between Zavateri and Albert Einstein in the Greenham Stakes, as well as the opening of the Spring Trials weekend at Newbury. Other headlines for the day feature Oxagon’s Craven Stakes win for the in‑form Gosden stable, Azleet’s emergence as a 1000 Guineas contender after a 50‑1 upset in the Nell Gwyn Stakes, and a blog from Hollie Doyle about learning more about Derby hopeful Wareeth in the Feilden Stakes at Newmarket. In addition to racing news, the day’s coverage will include a story about trainer Evan Williams, who was sentenced to three years in prison for causing grievous bodily harm with intent after a violent hockey‑stick attack on a 72‑year‑old.
The panel’s discussion also highlighted Needle Match, a horse that doesn’t fit the recent winners’ profile but whose trainer has hinted that the colt could be among the best three‑year‑olds of the season. "He won on soft ground at Newbury, and while the ground will be quicker today his pedigree suggests he can handle it," the analyst explained. "He needs to improve significantly, but at his current price he offers good value for a seasonal reappearance." Overall, the consensus among the experts is that Zavateri remains the top pick, but there are several plausible alternatives depending on how the race unfolds. Alparslan could capitalize on a lack of early pace, while Needle Match offers a long‑shot opportunity for those looking for value.
Albert Einstein and Title Role are also in the mix, though their form and fitness are less certain. For fans who want to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and features, Sky Sports Racing’s mobile platform provides real‑time updates and in‑depth analysis. The full Weekend Winners show will also be available on the At The Races YouTube channel, allowing viewers to watch the discussion and predictions at their convenience. In summary, the Greenham Stakes at Newbury promises a competitive field, a blend of proven class and potential upsets, and plenty of talking points for racing enthusiasts.
Whether you back the favourite Zavateri, the front‑running Alparslan, or take a chance on the outsider Needle Match, the race is set to deliver excitement and possibly shape the early season narrative for the three‑year‑old division.