As the flat season gets underway, Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle shares her top picks for 2026, featuring a mix of promising newcomers and established stars. One notable horse is Richard Hannon's five-year-old, who has shown impressive form since autumn, winning a valuable handicap at Ascot and the Listed Cammidge Stakes at Doncaster. Another contender is a big son of New Bay, who gave Hollie a nice feel when scoring on debut at Chelmsford City and is being aimed at a valuable spring handicap at Newbury.
A three-year-old son of Caravaggio also made a belated debut performance in a Saint-Cloud newcomers race, toying with his opposition and showing great potential. Other horses to watch include Aidan O'Brien's son of Wootton Bassett, who made a strong claim for the Classic after the Group 1 Futurity Trophy, and William Haggas's son of Kingman, who is a half-brother to Group 1 star King Of Change. Hollie's husband Tom Marquand is also excited about a filly who made a debut win at Newbury and has a hefty price tag to live up to. Other notable mentions include a son of Havana Grey, who has done well physically since the summer and is expected to develop into a stakes performer, and a daughter of Starman, who could fit the bill as a headline horse for David Ward.
With a range of talented horses to watch, the 2026 flat season is shaping up to be an exciting one.