Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle shares her top ten horses to watch in 2026 as the flat season gets underway. Her list includes a mix of established stars and promising newcomers, each with the potential to make a significant impact in the world of horse racing. One such 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. With his ability to transition smoothly into Group company, he's one to keep an eye on.
Another notable mention 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 and can hopefully build on this promising start. The three-year-old son of Caravaggio also impressed with his belated debut performance in a Saint-Cloud newcomers race, toying with his opposition over 1m and showing great potential. Aidan O'Brien's son of Wootton Bassett is another horse to watch, having made a significant impact in the Group 1 Futurity Trophy last autumn.
With his potent performance over longer distances, he's expected to develop into a serious Derby contender. William Haggas's son of Kingman, a half-brother to Group 1 star King Of Change, is also highly regarded, having shown improvement in his Newbury debut and Doncaster's Lincoln Meeting. My husband Tom (Marquand) has high hopes for the filly who debuted at Newbury, closely related to William Haggas's Group stars My Oberon and My Prospero. Archie Watson's son of Havana Grey is another promising horse, having won a Lingfield maiden and showing potential to develop into a stakes performer.
David Ward's daughter of Starman is also one to watch, having been too classy for her rivals in a 6f Nottingham maiden and finishing close behind Zanthos in the Group 2 Rockfel at Newmarket. Hollie's boss Archie Watson has been patient with the son of Sea The Stars, who made a spectacular winning debut at Newcastle. Karl Burke's son of Night Of Thunder is another exciting prospect, having made it four from four in the Group 2 Joel Stakes at Newmarket and aiming for the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury.