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 seasoned performers. One notable mention is Richard Hannon's five-year-old, who has significantly improved since autumn, winning a valuable handicap at Ascot and the Listed Cammidge Stakes at Doncaster.
Doyle expects a seamless transition into Group company for this horse. Another promising contender is a big son of New Bay, who debuted nicely at Chelmsford City and could be aimed at a spring handicap at Newbury.
A three-year-old son of Caravaggio also caught Doyle's attention with an impressive debut at Saint-Cloud, showcasing potential to become a star under Francis Graffard's guidance. Aidan O'Brien's son of Wootton Bassett, who ran a strong race in the Group 1 Futurity Trophy, is another Derby hopeful, expected to improve over longer distances. Other notable mentions include a Kingman son trained by William Haggas, a filly costing 1.7m gns and related to Group stars, and a Havana Grey son who is still developing but has shown promise. Additionally, a daughter of Starman and a Sea The Stars son who made a striking debut are among Doyle's horses to watch.
Karl Burke's Night Of Thunder son, aiming for the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes, rounds out Doyle's list of exciting prospects for the upcoming season.