The flat racing season arguably hits its peak in June, with two of the most prestigious events of the campaign—the Epsom Derby and Royal Ascot both taking place—so now seems to be a good opportunity to reflect on some of the top two-year-olds of the year so far.
These eye-catching colts and fillies are already starting to gain traction in the horse racing tips for the 2000 and 1000 Guineas at Newmarket next May, while some are even attracting interest in the ante-post markets for the 2026 Oaks and Derby at this very early stage, if you have free bets.
That said, let’s take a look at four juveniles who have already displayed promise and could be Classic winners in waiting for some of the top trainers.
Albert Einstein
It should come as no surprise that the two-year-old attracting the most attention so far this season is trained by none other than Aidan O’Brien.
Albert Einstein has only raced twice at the time of writing, but has already proven that time really is relative with two stunning displays in Ireland.
The Wootton Bassett colt made a fantastic start when beating Evening Blues in a Naas maiden in May and followed up in the Group 3 Marble Hill Stakes, though an injury ruled him out of Royal Ascot.
While both of those victories were over six furlongs, it’s enough to convince the bookies to slash him to favourite for both the 2000 Guineas (10/1) and the Derby (12/1) next year.
Lady Iman
Another Irish-trained juvenile, Lady Iman is three for three under Ger Lyons this campaign and has her sights set on the Queen Mary Stakes or the Albany at Royal Ascot.
The Starman filly made her debut on the all-weather at Dundalk in March, scoring comfortably, and has progressed nicely with a Listed win at the Curragh and a Group 3 success at Naas.
She cost £185,000 as a yearling, but is very nicely bred as a half-sister to a couple of quality winners—including West Acre.
Lady Iman looks set to be a quality sprinter for the Lyons Racing team, with the potential to win major races over five or six furlongs.
Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin, Timeform’s top-rated two-year-old, also hails from the hallowed turf of O’Brien’s esteemed Ballydoyle stable and looks filled with potential based on both pedigree and early form.
The No Nay Never colt is out of two-year-old winner Muirin and a brother to dual Group 1 winner Blackbeard, as well as winners Turnbridge Wells and Run Away.
He didn’t hit the ground running when fourth on debut at the Curragh, but evolved into a nice type when winning a maiden at Navan next time and following up at Naas.
Charles Darwin is the favourite for the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot and looks more than capable of this step up in class to Group 2 company.
Treanmor
Despite only being raced once at the time of writing, Treanmor looks set to have a bright future for top connections Godolphin.
Costing an eye-watering €2 million as a yearling, the two-year-old is by the legendary Frankel and a first foal out of Loch Lein—who won a Listed race in France and is closely related to other winners.
He was well supported on debut at Newmarket last month and showed a devastating turn of foot in the final furlong to leave his rivals in his wake.
Royal Ascot is next on the agenda for him, but Appleby could be on course for a third 2000 Guineas win in a row with this one.