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

Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle shares her top picks for the 2026 flat season, featuring promising horses that are expected to make a significant impact. Richard Hannon's five-year-old has shown impressive form, winning a valuable handicap at Ascot and the Listed Cammidge Stakes at Doncaster. This horse is expected to transition smoothly into Group company. Another notable horse is a 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 and is expected to kick on. A three-year-old son of Caravaggio also caught Hollie's attention with his belated debut performance in a Saint-Cloud newcomers race, toying with his opposition over 1m. Aidan O'Brien's son of Wootton Bassett is another horse to watch, having made virtually all the running in the Group 1 Futurity Trophy and staking his own Classic claims. William Haggas's son of Kingman, a half-brother to Group 1 star King Of Change, is also expected to develop into a serious Derby contender. Hollie's husband Tom Marquand partnered a filly to a debut win at Newbury, and she has a hefty price tag to live up to. Archie Watson's son of Havana Grey is another horse with potential, having won a Lingfield maiden and shaping well in his comeback run. David Ward's daughter of Starman could be a headline horse, having been too classy for her rivals in a 6f Nottingham maiden. Archie Watson's son of Sea The Stars made a spectacular winning debut and will be interesting to watch in deeper waters. Karl Burke's son of Night Of Thunder is also one to watch, having made it four from four in the Group 2 Joel Stakes and aiming for the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury.