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

As the flat season gets underway, Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle shares her top horses to watch in 2026. Richard Hannon's five-year-old has shown significant improvement since autumn, winning a valuable handicap at Ascot and the Listed Cammidge Stakes at Doncaster. With his ability to transition smoothly into Group company, he's one to keep an eye on. 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 kick on. A three-year-old gelding has also caught Hollie's attention with his impressive debut performance in a Saint-Cloud newcomers race, toying with his opposition over 1m. He's already being hailed as a star in the making for Aga Khan Studs. Aidan O'Brien's son of Wootton Bassett is another notable contender, having made a strong claim for the Classic after making virtually all the running in the Group 1 Futurity Trophy. William Haggas's son of Kingman, a half-brother to Group 1 star King Of Change, is also highly regarded, with a promising debut at Newbury and a Guineas entry. Hollie's husband Tom Marquand is a fan of a filly who debuted with a win at Newbury, and with a hefty price tag to live up to, she has the world at her feet. Other notable mentions include a son of Havana Grey, who has done well physically since his last run and is expected to develop into a stakes performer, and a daughter of Starman, who could be a headline horse for David Ward. With a spectacular winning debut at Newcastle, a son of Sea The Stars is another exciting prospect, and Karl Burke's son of Night Of Thunder is aiming for the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury after a successful winter.