TALK OF NEW YORK (GB)

3yo b c by Wootton Bassett out of Usherette (Shamardal)

Charlie Appleby

This colt created a huge impression when blowing a 13-runner maiden at Kempton apart on his sole start in October, thrashing the 82-rated Go Rimbaud by five-and-a-half lengths, with a further four back to Impossible Dream, both of whom endorsed the form next time.

Not only did Talk Of New York do remarkably well to put so much distance between himself and the others off a modest pace, he also clocked a superb time in the circumstances, without looking flat out. By a brilliant stallion and out of a Duke Of Cambridge winner, he is exciting. (GS)

PROTECTION ACT (IRE)

3yo b c by Starspangledbanner out of Privacy Order (Azamour)

George Boughey

The trainer has a leading Guineas contender in the shape of Bow Echo, but there’s a lesser-known one in his care that could also make a splash in the classic trials and beyond in the shape of Protection Act.

The son of Starspangledbanner looked a surefire Pattern colt when winning a strong maiden at Haydock in July, going further on the bridle than anything else and never flat out, despite having had to delay his challenge while looking to secure a clear run.

The time of the race is excellent for a debutant - it supports a figure as high as 99 - and, while he wasn’t seen again last year, the form got stronger and stronger in his absence, with four of the next five home all finishing the campaign rated above 90. Assuming his absence proves to be nothing serious, he could be one to look forward to. (GS)

ENOCH (IRE)

3yo b c by Frankel out of Darkova (Maria’s Mon)

John & Thady Gosden

One of a host of once-raced winners sent out by the Gosdens last year, Enoch overcame a disadvantageous position to beat three experienced rivals who are all rated north of 80 when winning a novice at Newmarket in September.

Having been shuffled back behind other runners, Enoch was the best part of five lengths down with less than three furlongs to race, but made that up and went right past without ever needing maximum pressure.

His effort was all the more encouraging considering seven furlongs is likely to be at the bottom end of his stamina. This half-brother to the French Derby and Champion Stakes winner Almanzor looks to have a bright future. (GS)

SHOSHOLOZA (IRE)

3yo b c by Australia out of Ecosse (Acclamation)

Joseph O’Brien

Shosholoza created a taking impression when landing a Tipperary maiden on debut in early October in a good time. Overcoming a slow start, he learned quickly during the race and ran out a ready winner from a subsequent Curragh maiden winner.

He acquitted himself well when taking a huge step up in class just three weeks later, running fifth in the Criterium International.

From a Juddmonte family, his pedigree is abundant in stamina and, with some requisite experience under his belt at two, he could develop into a very smart staying prospect at three. (MB)

MONTREAL (IRE)

3yo b c by Sea The Stars out of Muwakaba (Elusive Quality)

Aidan O’Brien

Montreal made light work of eight rivals when romping home an eight-length winner of a Leopardstown maiden in early August. Although setting a steady pace in making all the running on that occasion, his finishing fractions were impressive and he looked a colt potentially from the top drawer.

The only horse sired by Sea The Stars among the 50 individual two-year-old winners trained in Ireland at Ballydoyle in 2025, he looks to possess a nice blend of speed and stamina and could potentially emerge to take high rank among the three-year-olds this coming season. (MB)