'He'll improve a lot' - exciting Alparslan upsets 4-7 Juddmonte favourite with explosive debut

Alparslan made a striking debut in the 7f novice stakes to defeat an odds-on favourite and help take trainer Karl Burke's strike-rate with juveniles this year to 34 per cent.

The powerful colt was sent off an unconsidered 14-1 chance behind Juddmonte homebred Quadrillion in the opening contest, but belied those odds with a convincing five-length success under Sam James.

"He was green going down to post and I was quite happy to take a lead," the rider told Racing TV. "I gave him a squeeze and he's actually got me there a lot earlier than I thought he was going to. 

"To be fair to him, it was a long way from home and he was all on his own, but he's been very genuine and kept his head down and galloped all the way to the line. I think there'll be a lot more to come from him."

Alparslan was a €75,000 purchase last year and is related to smart sprinter Erosandpsyche. He holds entries in valuable sales races at Doncaster and the Curragh, as well as the Listed Two Year Old Trophy at Redcar.  

James added: "Karl's a great trainer, especially with these two-year-olds first time out. At the minute, all you've got to do is throw your leg across them and point them in the right direction. It's great to get another winner for him."

Trainer and jockey doubled up with 1-3 favourite Boiling Over in the 7f nursery, although the colt made heavy weather of getting the better of Halla Bil Zain and scored by only a nose.

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