Ross Millar: my four predictions for 2026

The first weekend Racing in January is often underwhelming and this year was no exception, with precious little of real interest. However, I would agree with Steve Mellish's assertion that if the handicapper treads lightly with the mark of Sinnatra, an impressive winner at long odds-on in the first race at Sandown on Saturday, then he would indeed be of interest off his current handicap mark.

The cold snap has put a temporary hole on Jump racing, so it seemed like a good idea to make some predictions for 2026.

Willie Mullins has closed him down in each of the last two seasons with strong late season flourishes, however Skelton operates a shrewd outfit and he has learnt from last year's mistakes - where, in my opinion, he allowed winnable early season pots to go begging with his eye fixed firmly on more illustrious spring prizes.

That has not been the case this year, as with impressive precision, he has picked off a number of Grade Two and big handicap prizes. His lead this season is far greater and he certainly going to have kept some fire power in reserve for the spring. It will be a title well-deserved.

Nicholls is in the process of a well-documented rebuilding phase and, while he has a number of exciting young prospects, he perhaps lacks the volume of horses for campaigns.

Cobden won the Scottish Grand National for Mullins last season and clearly impressed, and he's been utilised on a number of Mullins's British runners this season. He also made the trip across the Irish Sea to ride at Leopardstown over Christmas.

It would be no surprise if he were to jump up the pecking order of riders for the battalion of runners that Mullins will unleash on the Cotswold course in March.

As well as last years winner Nick Rockett, the Closutton chief also saddled four of the first seven finishers. They are bound to all be targeted at the National again this season, while Mullins also has a number of exciting second-season chasers, including Lecky Watson. 

The winner of last year's Brown Advisory was not hard pressed when finishing seventh in a competitive Savills Chase over Christmas and as a son of Valirann he will not be lacking for stamina. At a best price of 33-1 he makes plenty of appeal.

The Jukebox Man delivered on his immense promise with a gutsy win in the King George VI Chase at Kempton. He rallied and gave the impression that he’ll stay well. Fourth-placed finisher Jango Baie is already a Festival winner and, to my eye, was the horse to take out of the Kempton showpiece. He jumps fluently and races in a brilliantly economical fashion, and I think he’s tailor-made for the Gold Cup test.

Another who furthered his credentials over Christmas was Haiti Couleurs. Under an excellent ride from Sean Bowen, he made light of his 11st 13lb burden and galloped powerfully through the line.

He has a high cruising speed and a top tier jumping rhythm, if showing enough early speed to get a prominent position he will prove tough to pass at a track where he has an excellent record.

Last year's winner Inothewayurthinkin has turned in two dire efforts this season, including most lately in the Savills at Leopardstown where he failed to show any sparkle at all.

To a lesser degree I was also underwhelmed by dual victor Galopin Des Champs. He was entitled to need the run and I can forgive his tired final half-furlong, but to my eye, he was at no point travelling like the cage beast we have become so used to marvelling at. Father time may just have started to catch up with him.