2026 is nearly a month old and the first Group 1 race (Lightning Stakes) is only three weeks away so it’s time for our experts to produce the crystal balls.

For the past three years our team has had a crack at trying to find a horse that punters can follow for the year ahead. A couple of rules … the horse must not have won a stakes race yet, and had no more than six starts.

The results have been “okay”. I nominated Gringotts after one start in 2023 and the Group 1 winner continues to perform well. Chris Nelson correctly predicted Golden Boom would win at stakes level in 2024 and last year it was Brendan Tupper taking honours with his tip Splash Back winning a Group 2.

So, encouraging enough to press on! Let’s see what the crew has found for 2026 …

JOEL MARSHALL: Asilah (Chris Waller) – A patient approach paid off when this girl won her maiden on debut last week off some lovely trials. Was scratched three times from wide barriers before a run where she sustained a strong sprint from off the pace to come away and win easily. Stakes class.

BRENDAN TUPPER: Classic Gem (Dom Sutton) – Still a maiden after six starts but shows promise. Since her excellent fourth in the VRC Oaks she's joined the Dom Sutton stable. She has run well at all six starts and once she breaks through she'll get her turn in some of the good autumn fillies’ races.

KEVIN CASEY: Rave About It (Joe Pride) – Unraced 3YO filly that had two trials mid-2025 and has stepped out in a couple more recently, and could have won them both if pushed. She will be given a chance soon and a prosperous 2026 could unfold.

JULIE ROWLAND: Anthracite (Joe Pride) – The former South Australian galloper was unlucky not to win on debut last July before going on to win his next three starts. The lightly-raced 5YO has trialled well for his new trainer and looks a promising stayer in the making.

PAUL RICHARDS: Hot Statement (Richard and Chantelle Jolly) – Resumed from 11 months off with an impressive maiden win last October, then lumped 60.5kg to another strong victory. The stable sent him to Melbourne for his next run but he didn’t figure but it was a day when few made ground.