Hollie Doyle's Top Horses to Watch in 2026: Derby Contenders and International Stars

As the flat season gains momentum, Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle shares her list of ten horses she's eager to see in action in 2026. Among them is Richard Hannon's five-year-old, who has significantly improved his form since autumn, winning a valuable handicap at Ascot and the Listed Cammidge Stakes at Doncaster. Doyle anticipates a smooth transition for this horse into Group company. Another notable mention is a son of New Bay, who gave Doyle a positive impression when he scored on debut at Chelmsford City. Despite his inexperience, he showed control in his 10f maiden and is expected to progress. A three-year-old son of Caravaggio also caught Doyle's attention with his impressive debut performance in a Saint-Cloud newcomers race, effortlessly outpacing his opponents over 1m. This promising youngster is in the capable hands of Francis Graffard. Aidan O'Brien's son of Wootton Bassett is another horse to watch, having made a strong claim for the Classics with his performance in the Group 1 Futurity Trophy. As he's out of Ballydoyle's Champions Day Fillies' and Mares' heroine Hydrangea, he's expected to become even more formidable over longer distances. William Haggas's son of Kingman, a half-brother to Group 1 star King Of Change, also shows promise, having run a promising second on his Newbury debut and taking another step forward at Doncaster's Lincoln Meeting. Doyle's husband, Tom Marquand, has high praise for a filly who won on debut at Newbury, despite having a hefty price tag to live up to. With entries in the Irish Oaks, she has the potential to make a significant impact. Archie Watson's son of Havana Grey, although still developing physically, has shown potential and could become a stakes performer. A daughter of Starman, trained by Ed Walker, is another horse with a bright future, having won a 6f Nottingham maiden and finishing close behind Zanthos in the Group 2 Rockfel at Newmarket. Doyle's boss, Archie Watson, has been patient with a son of Sea The Stars, who made a spectacular winning debut at Newcastle. This talented horse will now face deeper waters, with the Feilden Stakes at Newmarket being his next target. Lastly, Karl Burke's son of Night Of Thunder, who won the Group 2 Joel Stakes at Newmarket, is aiming for the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury, making him an exciting prospect for the season ahead.