Alparslan proved he belongs among the top contenders for the 2000 Guineas after delivering a decisive performance in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury, a race that saw him outpace two highly regarded rivals, Zavateri and Albert Einstein. The field was heavily weighted towards Aidan O'Brien's Albert Einstein and Eve Johnson Houghton’s Group One winner Zavateri, both of whom entered the race as the market favourites. In contrast, Karl Burke’s Alparslan, who had previously captured a valuable sales race in Ireland as a juvenile and finished behind Zavateri in the Dewhurst, was given the opportunity to lead the race under the guidance of jockey Clifford Lee. During the early stages, the two big‑name horses made brief moves that threatened to close the gap, but Alparslan, starting at 9‑1, maintained a comfortable lead and crossed the finish line with a clear one‑length advantage.
Zavateri recovered from a troubled run to finish strongly in second place, while Albert Einstein was left to settle for third. After the race, Burke expressed his satisfaction, noting that Alparslan had been somewhat under the radar but was always expected to improve after his three starts as a three‑year‑old.
He highlighted that the Greenham is essentially a trial, and the outcome suggests Alparslan has now beaten the two most highly regarded rivals in the field. Burke also reflected on Alparslan’s performance at Newmarket in the Dewhurst, suggesting the horse may not have liked the undulating terrain, a factor that could be attributed to juvenile immaturity rather than a permanent limitation.
He mentioned that the horse returned sore after his third quick run, raising a question mark about his suitability for certain tracks. "Clifford says he is a big, heavy, gawky horse, so whether he would enjoy turning a bend at Longchamp is uncertain, but the Curragh could suit him well given his previous win there," Burke added. He believes there is still room for Alparslan to develop, especially over a mile, and that today’s performance answers about ninety percent of those doubts.
Zavateri, a standout of the previous season, had only lost his unbeaten record by finishing fourth in the Dewhurst. Her respectable second place in the Greenham left her trainer, Eve Johnson Houghton, contemplating which version of the 2000 Guineas to target next month.
She praised her filly’s racecraft, noting that she ran a lovely race despite a slow pace and that Ryan Moore positioned Albert Einstein well, creating a pocket for Zavateri. Johnson Houghton admitted she was not disappointed in her horse and would decide in the coming week whether to aim for the English or Irish Guineas, ruling out a French campaign.
Meanwhile, at Ballydoyle, the focus shifted to distance after Albert Einstein finished third. Coolmore representative Kevin Buckley described the race as muddling but creditable, emphasizing that the horse performed well under the circumstances. He said that discussions would follow between jockey Ryan Moore, trainer Aidan O'Brien, and the owners to determine the best future path, whether that be a sprint or a mile trip. Buckley noted that Albert Einstein seemed happier on the surface at Newbury, providing valuable insight for future planning.
In other news, Jack Channon’s filly Sukanya produced a stunning upset by moving from last to first, effectively ending the classic hopes of Touleen in the Dubai Duty Free Stakes at Newbury. Sukanya, who had previously placed fourth in a Group Three at Goodwood and second in a Listed race at Leopardstown, had shown some limitations in her final outing in the Rockfel Stakes.
Sent off at 16‑1, she was held at the rear by jockey David Probert before making a late surge. Despite Touleen, the 5‑4 favourite, taking the lead at the furlong pole, Sukanya found her stride and won by three‑quarters of a length. Channon praised Sukanya, calling her a very good filly with high‑class performances as a two‑year‑old. He highlighted her unlucky fourth place behind Precise in the Prestige at Goodwood and her second place to Diamond Necklace at Leopardstown, as well as a disappointing run in the Rockfel.
He asserted that she would finish in the top three in any race she contests and possesses a devilish turn of foot. Looking ahead, Channon intends to campaign her in major races, possibly supplementing her for the 1000 Guineas, and is considering both the Irish and Newmarket versions. Trainer Owen Burrows, who prepared Touleen, admitted his filly lacked the quickening she showed as a juvenile and may simply be a little rusty.
He expressed confidence that she could still contest the Guineas if she recovers well, noting that she performed correctly despite finishing second. The weekend also featured a thrilling victory for Karl Burke and jockey Clifford Lee aboard Convergent in the John Porter Stakes, also known as the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes.
The race, originally expected to feature Constitution Hill, still attracted a high‑quality field despite the star’s absence. Lee, who had recently returned to riding after a serious quadbike accident that left him in intensive care, guided the 4‑1 shot to a narrow win. He described the emotional significance of the triumph, emphasizing his determination to give 150 percent after his recovery. Lee recounted the race dynamics, noting that Convergent was positioned well after a cut‑away and managed to avoid trouble thanks to his own engine.
He praised the horse’s recent German Derby experience and expressed optimism about the colt’s future over the distance, suggesting he could compete at the highest level. Burke, buoyed by the win, believes Convergent now merits a place among elite company, targeting the Coronation Cup at Epsom and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot later in the summer. He noted that if the horse remains sound and continues to improve, a Group One victory is within reach, perhaps even surpassing the achievements of previous distance specialists like Al Qareem. Overall, the Greenham Stakes and surrounding races at Newbury delivered a mix of surprise outcomes, strategic reassessments, and promising future plans for several top‑class horses.
Alparslan’s victory signals his readiness to compete at the classic level, while Zavateri and Albert Einstein remain strong prospects for the upcoming Guineas. Sukanya’s upset win adds a new contender to the fillies’ classic picture, and Convergent’s resurgence after a life‑changing injury highlights the resilience and ambition present within the sport. Fans can look forward to further developments as trainers, owners, and jockeys chart the paths for their horses toward the prestigious spring and summer festivals.