Hollie Doyle's Top Picks for 2026: Exciting Horses to Watch

As the flat season gets underway, Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle shares her top 10 horses to watch in 2026. Richard Hannon's five-year-old has shown impressive form since autumn, winning a valuable handicap at Ascot and the Listed Cammidge Stakes at Doncaster. With his smooth transition into Group company expected, he's one to keep an eye on. A newcomer to the scene, a lovely big son of New Bay, gave Hollie a nice feel when scoring on debut at Chelmsford City and is expected to kick on. Another exciting prospect is a three-year-old who made a stunning debut performance in a Saint-Cloud newcomers race, toying with his opposition over 1m. Aidan O'Brien's son of Wootton Bassett also caught attention with his impressive run in the Group 1 Futurity Trophy, making him a potential Derby contender. William Haggas's son of Kingman, a half-brother to Group 1 star King Of Change, has shown promise, as has a filly who debuted with a win at Newbury and holds an entry in the Irish Oaks. Other notable horses include a son of Havana Grey who has shaped well in his comeback run, a daughter of Starman who could be a headline horse, and a son of Sea The Stars who made a spectacular winning debut. Karl Burke's son of Night Of Thunder, who won the Group 2 Joel Stakes, is also one to watch, with the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury being his target.