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

Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle reveals her top picks for the 2026 season, featuring a mix of promising newcomers and established stars. Her list includes Richard Hannon's five-year-old, who has shown impressive form since autumn, and a lovely big son of New Bay, who gave Doyle a nice feel when scoring on debut at Chelmsford City. Other notable mentions include a three-year-old who made a stunning debut performance in a Saint-Cloud newcomers race and Aidan O'Brien's son of Wootton Bassett, who could develop into a serious Derby contender. Doyle also highlights William Haggas's filly, who has a hefty price tag to live up to, and Archie Watson's son of Havana Grey, who still has the potential to become a stakes performer. Additionally, she mentions Ed Walker's filly, who could be a headline horse for David Ward, and her boss Archie Watson's son of Sea The Stars, who made a spectacular winning debut. Doyle's final pick is Karl Burke's son of Night Of Thunder, who made it four from four in the Group 2 Joel Stakes at Newmarket and is aiming for the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury.