The 2026 flat season is underway, and attention is turning to all of the festivals that are just around the corner. Thousands are set to descend on York, Ascot, Doncaster, and many other courses in the coming months, hoping to back potential winners.
With sports betting and horse racing so intertwined, punters can spend days and sometimes weeks scrutinising the favourites and potential contenders on the best horse racing betting sites in the build-up to festivals. And with several horses showing form ahead of big dates in the calendar, picking a winner in 2026 is that much more difficult.
Of course, several factors can come into play that might impact a horse’s chances of success. But these are three candidates to look out for in the coming months.
Zeus Olympios
Four-year-old colt Zeus Olympios demonstrated strong potential in 2025, winning four races from four outings. That included an impressive win at Newmarket in September 2025 where he beat Opera Ballo by two lengths in the Joel Stakes.
That unbeaten record came to an end at Sandown, where he finished third behind Opera Ballo and Field of Gold. But trainer Karl Burke admitted that the Mile was only ever going to be preparation for the Lockinge Stakes and Queen Anne Stakes.
With just weeks until he’ll be seen at Newbury, Zeus Olympios is around the odds of 11/2 to win, putting him behind Field of Gold, Damysus, and race favourite Notable Speech. But his record is too good to ignore entirely, and a win in mid-May could well make him the standout option for Ascot.
Act of Kindness
Charlie Appleby-trained filly Act of Kindness has shown consistent promise in each of the races she has run. Her finest moment yet came in October 2025 at Newmarket, where she won her maiden.
What’s important to note, though, is her form. Act of Kindness has not yet finished worse than third, most recently finishing behind America Queen and surprise winner Azleet in the Nell Gwyn at Newmarket.
Appleby believes that the Siyouni filly is pushing for a mile and has said that he’s keeping one eye on the Michael Seely Stakes in May. Act of Kindness is definitely one to watch at York, and success there could make her a good option for the notebook.
Rogue Diplomat
Rogue Diplomat had an impressive end to the 2025 season, winning four races between August and October. That included a double at Doncaster, where he has typically thrived.
The four-year-old colt has won 42% of the 12 races he has run during his career, and with three places, he could very well impress in handicaps as 2026 goes on.
The season very nearly began with a victory, as he finished just a nose behind Urban Lion in the Lincoln.
A fifth-place finish at Newbury in the Spring Cup will only have given trainer James Owen further confidence that Rogue Diplomat can challenge as the year progresses.
Having gone on to enjoy his 2025 winning streak after a slow start to the year, he could well be one to watch at Royal Ascot.
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