2009 was pretty special as far as racing was concerned but I reckon 2010 could be just as good, with the following 10 horses in particular expected to excel:-
Denman in the Gold Cup (9/4 Ladbrokes)
I'm just as excited about seeing Kauto Star of course in what, with the score currently standing at 1-1, will be billed as the 'great decider'. I was leaning towards Denman after his Hennessy romp but after what Kauto's did to his rivals at Kempton over Christmas, I just don't know now. My guess is that Denman will lead with Kauto close behind and from about three out there will only be two horses in it. What I do know is that it will be one helluva race - bring it on!
Finjaan in the big sprints
With British sprinters taking turns beating each other in recent seasons, the division is ripe for a new star - and it could be Finjaan. A smart juvenile two years ago - close third in the Dewhurst - Marcus Tregonning's four-year-old gave us a hint of what's to come when beating the useful Balthazaar's Gift in the Betfair Cup at Glorious Goodwood and it was only the rain-softened ground that stopped him following up in the Betfred Sprint Cup, for which I fancied him strongly. Any losses were only lent.
Punchestowns in the RSA Chase (7/2 bet365)
Only Big Bucks beat him over hurdles last season and his Newbury romp in November was as good a chase debut as I've seen in years. It's all systems go now for the RSA Chase with perhaps one one run beforehand and I can't wait to see him tackle those Cheltenham fences.
Possol in the Grand National (25/1 Paddy Power)
Like most Grand National horses these days, this 151-rated chaser has been kept over hurdles to preserve his handicap mark and we're not likely to see him over fences until the Racing Post Chase in February - well after the National weights come out. With the 167-rated Notre Pere being aimed at Aintree, he should creep in under the all-important 11st barrier and I'm expecting a massive shout as he passes the elbow.
Quevega in the David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle (6/4 William Hill)
Willie Mullins' mare got me out of big trouble when strolling home by 14 lengths in this race last year and I fancy more of the same. What can beat her? The current second favourite Voler La Vedette is currently on the easy list and, besides, is more likely to run in the Champion Hurdle, while the rest simply aren't good enough. Cheltenham banker, anyone?
Rite Of Passage on the flat
Third in last season's Champion Bumper and if he takes to hurdles he will be very hard to beat in that sphere. However, he has the makings of a decent flat horse too judging by the way he disposed of 20 rivals in last season's November Handicap at Leopardstown. A group race is his for the taking and, who knows, he may well end up Down Under trying to give Weld his third Melbourne Cup.
Schiaperelli in the big staying races
Won three times for Godolphin in 2009 - including the Goodwood Cup - and finished the season by running Ask close in the Prix Royal-Oak at Longchamp. With Yeats taking a well-earned retirement, the seven-year-old could dominate the staying division in 2010. I just hope Frankie Dettori has been practising his flying dismounts during the winter!
Special Duty in the 1000 Guineas (4/1 Coral)
Last season's two-year-old fillies were nothing out of the ordinary, with the exception of this filly who looked a bit special when trouncing her Cheveley Park rivals. The way she powered away in the sixth and final furlong that day was very encouraging as regards her stamina for 1m in May, and I'm confident she can maintain her advantage over her peers until at least the first weekend in May.
Workforce in the Derby (25/1 Stan James)
You couldn't fail to be impressed with his six-length beating of subsequent sales-race scorer Oasis Dancer and this half-brother to Brian Boru has got Derby horse written all over him. I expect to see him run in one of the trials, although his trainer Sir Michael Stoute might decide to have a crack at the 2000 Guineas given his record in the race. According to the betting, St Nicholas Abbey already has that race, and the Derby for that matter, sewn up but Workforce could be just as exciting.
Zenyatta anywhere she runs
I punched the air when I heard that this filly was coming out of retirement to race in 2010. Her Breeders' Cup Classic win against the boys is still fresh in the memory and I suppose that race will be her ultimate target again. What would be really special though is a match against last season's other star filly Rachel Alexandra, who recently pipped her to the accolade of 'Horse of the Year' [bewildered expression]. So, come on connections, put them in the starting gate and may the best filly win - I just hope it's Zenyatta!