As the flat season gains momentum, Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle shares her top picks for 2026, featuring a talented lineup of horses poised to make their mark. Richard Hannon's five-year-old has shown remarkable improvement since autumn, with notable wins at Ascot and Doncaster. This horse is expected to transition smoothly into Group company.
Another promising contender is a big son of New Bay, who debuted at Chelmsford City and demonstrated great potential despite his inexperience. His joint-trainer, Jamie Insole, has set his sights on a valuable spring handicap at Newbury. A three-year-old gelding from Aga Khan Studs has also caught attention with his impressive debut at Saint-Cloud, showcasing his talent and earning comparisons to Calandagan. Aidan O'Brien's son of Wootton Bassett has emerged as a strong Derby contender after his impressive performance in the Group 1 Futurity Trophy, and his breeding suggests he will excel over longer distances.
William Haggas's son of Kingman, a half-brother to King Of Change, has shown promise in his debut and follow-up race, despite being carried off line. Tom Marquand's partnership with a filly who debuted at Newbury has been fruitful, and she is expected to live up to her hefty price tag. A son of Havana Grey has also demonstrated potential, despite a slow start, and Archie Watson's son of Sea The Stars made a striking impression on his debut. Ed Walker's filly, a daughter of Starman, has been impressive in her maiden win and subsequent start, and may see out 1m.
Karl Burke's son of Night Of Thunder has made a strong start, with four wins from four starts, and is being aimed at the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury.