Deadly dozen going flat out for success

This weekend's Lincoln meeting at Doncaster sees the start of the new Flat season. John O'Hara lists 12 to follow for a lucrative campaign...

Three-year-old colt (trainer: David Wachman)
A brace of Group 1 wins, including the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket, saw him end 2008 as Europe's leading juvenile over six furlongs. On breeding there are serious doubts about his ability to stay the Guineas mile, although he will be tried over the trip this spring. However, a drop back in distance again could see him become a contender for top sprint honours.

Four-year-old colt (Sir Michael Stoute)
The most progressive colt of last year who started on a handicap mark of 79 and ended up winning both the St Leger and Breeders' Cup Turf. An athletic individual, he couldn't be in better hands as his trainer is a master with older horses. Should be a major player in the best middle distance races.

Three-year-old colt (Brian Meehan)
Following an excellent second in the Timeform Million at Newmarket behind Donativum he ran out an impressive winner of Doncaster's Group 1 Racing Post Trophy. Meehan has warned that the Derby is the main target and he could miss the 2,000 Guineas. Very exciting prospect.

Three-year-old colt (Sir Michael Stoute)
Rounded last season off in style winning the Group 3 Horris Hill Stakes. Christophe Soumillon, who was aboard at Newbury, described him as "a proper horse". Physically he has grown during the close season and is being prepared for the 2,000 Guineas. Whatever he does in the Classic there will be good races to be won with him.

Three-year-old colt (Aidan O'Brien)
A dual Group 1 winner in Ireland, his only defeat was behind Naaqoos at Longchamp in October when possibly over the top. Prior to that he looked very smart and appeared to relish a battle. Vibes from Ballydoyle have also been encouraging. Sure to be successful over a mile, but unlikely to get much further.

Four-year-old colt (Richard Hannon)
Best seven-furlong colt in Europe last season but both efforts over a mile resulted in defeat. Another year older and stronger he should stay a little further now, although the 1m 1f Dubai Duty Free at Nad Al Sheba on Saturday will stretch him. Whatever happens in that contest, he is worth following this summer.

Five-year-old horse (John Gosden)
A Group 2 winner but just short of top class last term and interesting that his shrewd connections are keeping him in training. He wouldn't need much improvement to win at Group 1 level and, if anyone can make that happen, Gosden can. Sure to pick up nice races at around a mile and a quarter.

Five-year-old gelding (Luca Cumani)
Won his first handicap off a mark of 72 in July and five races later was successful off 112 in a high-class affair at Nad Al Sheba last month. Makes a huge leap to Group 1 this weekend in the Dubai Duty Free but his jockey Ryan Moore believes he has the class to do so. Looks set for successful summer.

Three-year-old filly (John Gosden)
The current 1,000 Guineas favourite having earned that position after winning all four races in 2008, including Ascot's Group 1 Fillies' Mile. Journalists and racegoers alike were scrambling for new superlatives every time she ran, such was her brilliance. Has pleased Gosden this spring and is a very exciting Classic contender.

Three-year-old colt (John Oxx)Won the Group 2 Beresford Stakes in the manner of a useful prospect. This half-brother to dual Derby winner Galileo has had a minor setback recently but should be in action by early summer and is worth waiting for.

Five-year-old gelding (John Gosden)Princess Haya of Jordan's gelding was lead horse for Raven's Pass last year but connections have decided he is worth persevering with in his own right. Still on a decent mark and should be competitive in big seven-furlong handicaps such as Ascot's Victoria Cup in May.

Four-year-old colt (Henry Cecil)
Some serious form last year including victory over Raven's Pass at Newmarket, success at Maisons-Laffitte in Group 2 Prix Eugene Adam as well as an excellent third in the St James's Palace Stakes. Gets 10 furlongs on an easy track but a mile is ideal and could be one to consider for the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.