Five Flat Horses To Follow 2024

The Flat season is underway in Ireland with the Curragh providing an excellent opening day on Monday. Over in the UK, Doncaster stages the first day of the turf season on Saturday. We have highlighted five horses from both sides of the Irish Sea to follow for the season ahead.

Henry Longfellow, Trainer Aidan O’Brien, Race Record: 111

Three wins from three career starts, this regally-bred colt is by Dubawi out of the outstanding mare, Minding. Described as ‘very special’ by his trainer Aidan O’Brien, the French 2000 Guineas could be on the cards for this exceptional three-year-old, in order to avoid star stablemate City Of Troy. The Irish 2000 Guineas and the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot are also potential targets.

Last seen winning the Group 1 National Stakes at the Curragh by five lengths, that form has worked out well with the second, Islandsinthestream, having subsequently won at Longchamp.

While City Of Troy will dominate headlines this season, don't forget about his talented stable companion.

Vespertilio, Trainer Willie McCreery, Race Record: 3212

Winner of the Group 2 Debutante Stakes at the Curragh back in August, this filly should definitely be on your shortlist this season. Trained by Willie McCreery, the three-year-old daughter of Night Of Thunder, rounded off an excellent season, finishing a good second to Fallen Angel in the Group 1 Moyglare Stakes.

Her second to Ylang Ylang in a Group 3 at Leopardstown in July is also among her best form and she holds an entry in the Irish 1000 Guineas at the Curragh.

One Look, Trainer Paddy Twomey, Race record: 1

Paddy Twomey boasts a stellar team for the Flat season ahead and this filly looks to be one of them.

An impressive six-length winner of the 23-runner Goffs Million at the Curragh on her debut despite running keen, this eyecatching three-year-old has entries in the English 1000 Guineas, Irish 1000 Guineas and the Irish Oaks.

Providing she trains on this season, the Gleneagles filly is certainly one to watch.

Valvano, Trainer Ralph Beckett, Race Record: 1

Trainer Ralph Beckett has entered this Night Of Thunder colt in the Derby at Epsom along with the Irish Derby at the Curragh, following his smart victory at Nottingham on debut.

Highly regarded by connections, Valvano won the Nottingham maiden by a comfortable six lengths, a contest won in the past by King Of Steel and Eldar Eldarov. The 220,000 guineas purchase is one to add to your notebooks for the season ahead.

Ghostwriter, Trainer Clive Cox, Race Record: 111

A winner of the Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes on Future Champions Day at Newmarket, this son of Invincible Spirit is priced at around 16-1 for the English 2000 Guineas back at the Rowley Mile - a track he handles well.

Having won all three of his career starts, the three-year-old cruised to an easy one-length victory in the Royal Lodge finishing in front of smart types Al Musmak and Capulet. He has progressed with each run and looks to be one to improve further for owner Jeff Smith.