Sports bettors in the United Kingdom were handed several future wagering pointers as Newbury Racecourse staged three Group race contests on Saturday afternoon.
Punters who pay attention to horse racing results during the early part of the flat racing season are generally rewarded with winning returns further down the line.
The opening three races on Newbury’s Saturday card each produced results which could have an impact on more prestigious contests later in the season.
With that in mind, read on as we recap the trio of Group Three races, starting with the eagerly anticipated Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes.
Convergent Looks Destined for Bigger Things
| Pos | Horse | SP | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Convergent | 4/1 | K R Burke | Clifford Lee |
| 2nd | Al Aasy | 7/2 | William Haggas | Tom Marquand |
| 3rd | Tenability | 6/1 | William Haggas | Cieren Fallon |
The race more commonly known as the John Porter Stakes is often won by horses who go on to record victories at a higher level later in the year.
Karl Burke’s Convergent defied a troubled passage to secure a comfortable victory under jockey Clifford Lee, sparking talk of a tilt at Group One contests this summer.
Epsom’s Coronation Cup and the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes are among the big races Burke is now considering for the talented four-year-old.
“If we can keep him sound and going the right way I think there is a Group One in him for sure,” Burke said.
“I suppose he could be the best we’ve had over these distances. Before him it would be Al Qareem. But he’s more of a mile and six horse and wouldn’t have this fellow’s gears.
“I think we’ll certainly have a go at the Coronation Cup, but I think the track and everything about the King George at Ascot would be fantastic for him.”
Alparslan Lays Down a Marker for the 2000 Guineas
| Pos | Horse | SP | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Alparslan | 9/1 | K R Burke | Clifford Lee |
| 2nd | Zavateri | 5/2 | Eve Johnson Houghton | Charles Bishop |
| 3rd | Albert Einstein | 9/4F | A P O’Brien | Ryan Moore |
Alparslan could be a lively each-way contender for the 2000 Guineas after defeating some talented opponents in the Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes.
Aidan O’Brien’s highly touted Albert Einstein was the well-backed favourite for the race, but he was unable to keep tabs on the son of Dandy Man.
Burke’s talented three-year-old made all the running at the Berkshire track to earn quotes of 16/1 for the big race on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket on May 2.
“I thought we were coming here under the radar and he was always entitled to improve off his three starts last year,” Burke said.
“They are trials at the end of the day and you never know what might pop up, but I think he’s beaten the right two horses there.
“I’m sure there is another gear. The trip (mile) would be the question mark, but I think he’s answered 90 percent of that question. It would give me a lot of hope.”
Channon Filly Showcases Her 1000 Guineas Credentials
| Pos | Horse | SP | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Sukanya | 16/1 | Jack Channon | David Probert |
| 2nd | Touleen | 5/4F | Owen Burrows | Saffie Osborne |
| 3rd | Domina Ignis | 14/1 | Kevin Philippart De Foy | David Egan |
Jack Channon’s Sukanya sprung a surprise in the Dubai Duty Free Stakes, coming from last to first to overhaul hot favourite Touleen.
The 5/4 market leader looked set for victory when hitting the front at the furlong pole, but had no answer to Sukanya in the final stages.
Jockey David Probert produced the filly with a well-timed run to leave Channon pondering whether to supplement her for the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.
“My two-year-olds were very backwards last year and she was the obvious standout and put in some very good performances against some very good fillies,” Channon said.
“I’ve told anyone who would listen that this filly wouldn’t finish outside of the first three and she’s high-class. She’s got a devilish turn of foot and she’s beaten a filly fancied for the Guineas on merit today.
“We would have to supplement for the 1000 Guineas. She needs top of the ground, but I will discuss with the owners. My first reaction is I would like to go for the Irish 1000 Guineas, but if I have to have my arm twisted, I won’t complain at having a runner at Newmarket.”
