Hollie Doyle's Top Picks for 2026: Rising Stars and Seasoned Contenders

As the flat season gains momentum, Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle highlights ten horses she is eager to watch 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. His transition into Group company is highly anticipated. Another promising horse is the lovely big son of New Bay, who gave Hollie a nice feel when scoring on debut at Chelmsford City. Despite his greenness, he was well in control in his 10f maiden and is expected to make progress. A three-year-old son of Caravaggio also made a stunning debut performance in a Saint-Cloud newcomers race, toying with his opposition over 1m and showing potential as a star in the making for Aga Khan Studs. Aidan O'Brien's son of Wootton Bassett, who made all the running in the Group 1 Futurity Trophy, is another contender expected to develop into a serious Derby challenger. Other notable mentions include William Haggas's son of Kingman, a half-brother to Group 1 star King Of Change, and a filly who debuted with a win at Newbury and has a hefty price tag to live up to. Archie Watson's son of Havana Grey, who won a Lingfield maiden and showed promise in a Listed sprint at Deauville, is also one to watch. David Ward's daughter of Starman, who was impressive in a 6f Nottingham maiden and finished close behind Zanthos in the Group 2 Rockfel, could be a headline horse. Hollie's boss Archie Watson has been patient with a son of Sea The Stars, who made a spectacular winning debut and will now be tested in deeper waters. Karl Burke's son of Night Of Thunder, who won the Group 2 Joel Stakes and is aiming for the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes, is another horse that excited Hollie last season.