Steering away from many of the most obvious contenders for our 10 horses to follow offers a mixed bag- some may be headed for stardom and others simply a chance to surprise a few by winning their two or three races for the season. In no particular order:
1. FAY FAY (L284)
Trainer John Size. Rating 67. Made this list last season, but niggling problems kept him to just the one start when second to Smart Giant in July. His problems were not of the career-threatening kind, so he still rates as very promising off this mark if Size can get him to the track more often.
2. SMART GIANT (L405)
Trainer John Moore. Rating 82. Not the punters' friend early last season when beaten at cramped odds in his first three runs, including running off the track at odds-on. Got his act together thereafter, winning three of his last four and looks a genuine Derby proposition. From classic winning New Zealand family, he is by Ambitious Dragon's sire, Pins, and out of an O'Reilly mare.
3. EAGLE REGIMENT (M011)