It's that time of year when everyone is compiling their list of horses for the Racing Post Flat Ten To Follow competition and I can't resist sharing mine, although no copying now as I don't want to have to share what is likely to be a life-changing first prize.
CROWDED HOUSE (Brian Meehan)
Sure to be on most people's list but can you afford to leave him out? I think not. Should have no problem winning the Dante en route to a crack at the Derby, for which he’s a best-priced 11/2 with Boylesports, with the King George and Arc on the agenda later in the year. I suppose there's a slight doubt about him getting 1m4f, but his trainer's confidence on that score is infectious.
OVERDOSE (Sandar Ribarszki, Hungary)
Another banker in my opinion as I can see him going through the season unbeaten, racking up plenty of points in the process. He’s already ante post favourite with Coral for Royal Ascot’s Group 1 sprints – 3/1 for the King’s Stand and a point bigger for the Golden Jubilee (a bonus race), and only 10/1 to win both races! First port of call, though, is the Temple Stakes in May.
RAINBOW VIEW (John Gosden)
Looks a good thing in my opinion for the 1000 Guineas for which she's now a best-priced 5/4 (Ladbrokes, bet365) - which is still value as she will go off a shade odds on. After Newmarket, the next obvious step is the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, another bonus race. Of course, there's always the danger she might not keep her form throughout the season, but we've always got the option of replacing her in the July transfer window.
EVASIVE (Sir Michael Stoute)
The 2000 Guineas is less clear cut but it's a 'must win' bonus race so it's worth having a crack at the winner. I've tipped up Rip Van Winkle elsewhere on this site but his participation is in the balance and I'm not a massive fan of Delegator or Mastercraftsman. So, perhaps Evasive, currently a 10/1 shot with William Hill, can get us off to a flying start? Michael Stoute's imposing Horris Hill winner has had a few hiccups along the way but the trainer has made a habit of winning this race with unexposed colts and, win or lose, he looks the sort to continue to thrive throughout the season.
CITYSCAPE (Roger Charlton)
Not without a chance in an open 2000 Guineas (16's with Totesport), but he's included as more of a long term prospect, possibly over further than 1m. Certainly, there was a lot to like about the way he quickened to win at Salisbury last season and he beat all but Jukebox Jury in Ascot's Royal Lodge on his final start. Providing he learns to settle, he could be a real superstar this season.
BEAUTY O'GWAUN (John Oxx)
A first-rate Oaks contender on pedigree and the way she won her maiden at two suggests she might have the ability to match her parentage. She's currently 16/1 for the Epsom Classic with Sportingbet, so I'm not the only one who rates her chances.
PACO BOY (Richard Hannon)
One of my favourites from last year and I've got him down for all the big 7f / 1m races this season. After his victory in the bet365 Mile at the weekend, I see he's been put in as 5/4 favourite by Coral for the Lockinge Stakes over 1m, although I still think he's ultimately going to be best suited by a fast run 7f. Either way, he should be a prolific points scorer.
GOLDIKOVA (Freddie Head)
A good older filly is an important team member in this competition due to the increased opportunities in that division, and they don't come much better than Freddie Head's filly, who added the Breeders' Cup Mile to her two Group 1 wins in France last season.
CONDUIT (Sir Michael Stoute)
Another who tasted success at the Breeders' Cup meeting and his Turf triumph points to even further success at the highest level this season, with the King George his most likely summer target.
AGE OF AQUARIUS (Aidan O'Brien)
It was a toss-up between this one and his stablemate and recent Ballysax winner Fame And Glory. The latter is second favourite for the Derby, but this one could well turn out to be better. After winning his maiden at the first time of asking at Dundalk in September, he signed off with an encouraging fourth behind two stablemates in a Group 1 in France, and the fact that he has been shortened for the Derby (20/1 best with Hills, 12/1 in places) suggests he is making a positive impression on someone at Ballydoyle.
