A number of notable thoroughbreds are set to compete in upcoming Group and Handicap races across Britain and France, with trainers and owners aiming to secure key victories early in the 2026 flat season.

Following an impressive juvenile campaign, a colt by Wootton Bassett has shown strong form this year, including a dominant performance in the Group Two Beresford Stakes at the Curragh. He later secured a comfortable win in the Group One Doncaster Futurity Trophy last October. Recently, the bay returned to action with a commanding victory over Lord Clover in a Group Three race at Chantilly in May but was narrowly caught late by stablemate Constitution River in the French Derby at the same venue at the end of May. The colt is expected to continue improving on a stiffer track, positioning his trainer, Aidan O’Brien, to become the first to win this race four consecutive years.

In the sprint division, Charlie Appleby’s WORDS OF TRUTH appears to be a leading contender in the Coral Charge. Having built on a strong previous season with an emphatic win over Into The Sky in a Group Two at Newbury last September, the three-year-old rebounded after a third-place finish at Ascot last October. Early this year, he finished a narrow second to Flying Comet in the Al Wasl Stakes at Meydan and recently delivered a smooth five-furlong victory at Sandown, signaling readiness for more success at the Group Three level.

Ralph Beckett’s BEAGLE BAY is another horse on the rise, targeting the Coral Challenge Handicap. The four-year-old showed promise with a decisive win in a Chelmsford novice event but encountered a setback with a fourth-place finish at Leicester. Since then, he has resumed progress with two recent victories at Yarmouth and Newmarket, the latter over a mile, overcoming a 5-pound penalty to suggest further potential.

Team Gosden’s SACRED GROUND will compete in the Coral Distaff Stakes, where the filly aims to capitalize on a mile distance. Having run well at Newmarket and Newbury earlier this season but struggling to sustain form over longer trips and softer ground, the three-year-old is expected to thrive back at a mile against listed company.

In the Coral Bet Handicap, James Tate’s KING’S CAVALRY, fresh from a narrow victory at Doncaster, looks primed to claim another prize despite a slight weight increase. Meanwhile, Marcus Tregoning’s filly ST HILDA, who has demonstrated stamina over 1 mile 2 furlongs with close finishes at Lingfield and Goodwood, is favored in the Coral Rewards Shaker Handicap as she steps up in competition.

At Newmarket, attention also turns to the Betway Sprint Handicap, where Tom Clover’s QUANTUM POWER seeks to continue his strong form following decisive wins at Beverley and Newmarket. Andrew Balding’s MYTHICAL BAY, a four-year-old showing proven effectiveness over middle distances and recent strong turf performances, is the favourite for the Betway Bet 10 Handicap despite a 7-pound penalty.

In the Betway Lancashire Oaks, Sir Mark Prescott’s TIFFANY aims to build on her Group Two breakthrough last year and near wins at Group One level in Ascot and Munich. After a recent close second in a Chantilly Listed race, she should benefit from a return to full fitness.

Finally, Charlie Johnston’s ELSASS is the horse to watch in the Old Newton Cup. The gelding impressed with authoritative wins at Southwell and Hamilton this spring and returns to 1 mile 4 furlongs, where he has previously shown strong credentials. He faces a competitive field but appears well placed to add to his recent successes.

These contests highlight the continued strength and depth in the flat racing calendar, with several horses seeking to establish or reaffirm their status among their generation.