'He looked a colt potentially from the top drawer' - leading handicappers on their horses to follow for the 2026 Flat season

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Graeme Smith's horses to follow

Talk Of New York

Charlie Appleby
(Wootton Bassett – Usherette)

This colt created a huge impression when blowing a 13-runner maiden at Kempton apart on his sole start in October, thrashing the 82-rated Go Rimbaud by five and a half lengths with a further four back to Impossible Mission, both of whom endorsed the form next time.

Not only did Talk Of New York do remarkably well to put so much distance between himself and the others off a modest pace, he also clocked a superb time in the circumstances without looking like he was going flat out.

By a brilliant stallion and out of a Duke of Cambridge winner, he is exciting.

Protection Act

George Boughey
(Starspangledbanner – Privacy Order)

George Boughey has a leading 2,000 Guineas contender in the shape of Bow Echo, but there is a lesser-known one in his care who could also make a splash in the Classic trials and beyond in the shape of Protection Act.

The son of Starspangledbanner looked a surefire Pattern colt when winning a strong maiden at Haydock in July, going further on the bridle than anything else and never looking like he was going flat out, despite having to delay his challenge while looking to secure a clear run.

The time of the race was excellent for a debutant – it supports a figure as high as 99 – and, while he wasn’t seen again last year, the form got stronger and stronger in his absence, with four of the next five home all finishing the campaign rated above 90.

Assuming his absence proves to be nothing serious, he could be one to look forward to.

Enoch

John and Thady Gosden
(Frankel – Darkova)

One of a host of once-raced winners sent out by the Gosdens last year, Enoch overcame a disadvantageous position to beat three experienced rivals, who are all rated north of 80, when winning a novice at Newmarket in September.

Having been shuffled back behind other runners, Enoch was the best part of five lengths down with less than three furlongs to race, but he made that up and went right past without ever needing maximum pressure.

His effort was all the more encouraging considering seven furlongs is likely to be at the bottom end of his stamina. This half-brother to the French Derby and Champion Stakes winner Almanzor looks to have a bright future.

Mark Bird's horses to follow

Shosholoza

Joseph O'Brien
(Australia – Ecosse)

Shosholoza created a fine impression when landing a Tipperary maiden on his debut in early October in a good time. Overcoming a slow start, he learned quickly during the race and ran out a ready winner from a subsequent Curragh maiden scorer.

Shosholoza and jockey Wayne Hassett after their win at TipperaryCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

He acquitted himself well when taking a huge step up in class just three weeks later, running fifth in the Criterium de Saint-Cloud.

From a Juddmonte family, his pedigree has abundant stamina and, with some requisite experience under his belt, he could develop into a very smart staying prospect at three.

Montreal

Aidan O'Brien
(Sea The Stars – Muwakaba)

Montreal made light work of eight rivals when romping home an eight-length winner of a Leopardstown maiden in early August. Although setting a steady pace in making all the running, his finishing fractions were impressive and he looked a colt potentially from the top drawer.

Montreal and Wayne Lordan power clear of their rivals at LeopardstownCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

The only horse sired by Sea The Stars among the 50 individual two-year-old winners trained in Ireland at Ballydoyle in 2025, he looks to possess a nice blend of speed and stamina and could potentially emerge to take high rank among the three-year-olds this season.

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