Time off? Then it's time to think about at 8 to Follow Stable
The winner alone will pick up £10,000 (€13,620) and there are prizes down to fifth place, which is worth £500 (€682). To take part simply pick eight horses trained in Europe for Qatar Racing or Pearl Bloodstock - each stable of eight costs entrants £10, and you can enter as many teams as you like. Go to www.8tofollow.co.uk, or click on any 8 to Follow logo on this site, to get a full list of horses and details of how to enter. All profits are given to the charity Racing Welfare, entries close on Friday, May 1, and the competition runs from May 2, QIPCO 2000 Guineas Day, to October 17, QIPCO British Champions Day.
At the 8 to Follow website you will find some suggested 'eights' chosen by people connected with Qatar Racing, but here are some more suggestions for horses aged three and above (see News dated March 26 for some two-year-olds to note) - remember, each stable must include four two-year-olds, and while only European-trained horses are eligible they can gain points anywhere in the world.
Early-season clues
Queen Catrine (pictured above, trained by Charlie Hills) - smart two-year-old who failed to win last year, but very close second at Royal Ascot (runs Kempton tomorrow)
Peace And War - (Olly Stevens) Grade 1 winner in America last season and due to make seasonal debut in the Gr.1 Ashland Stakes (runs Keeneland tomorrow)
Rogue Runner - (Andreas Wohler) unraced three-year-old, but seven of his half-brothers and sisters have won races (runs Hoppegarten Sunday)
Green Door - (Olly Stevens) tough, consistent horse who was second three times last season, gaining points each time (entered Nottingham Wednesday)
Rocky Rider (Andrew Balding) - a winner already this year (at Chelmsford), and, while the Tattersalls Millions 3yo Trophy comes before the competition opens, he is beautifully bred and could have an exciting season
Classic potential
Elm Park (Andrew Balding) - outstanding two-year-old who finished the season with victory in the Gr.1 Racing Post Trophy
Beach Belle (Kevin Prendergast) - won twice last season and fourth in the Gr.1 Phoenix Stakes - could join the line-up for the Irish 1000 Guineas and has other Stakes-race options
Capella Sansevero (Ger Lyons) - ran a blinder at Royal Ascot and remains in the Guineas mix
Endless Drama (Ger Lyons) - landed his sole race at two and is a contender for a crack at one of Europe's 2000 Guineas
Flaming Spear (Kevin Ryan) - one run, one win aged two, and a possible Guineas contender
Terror (David Simcock) - three fabulous runs as a two-year-old (won twice) and could go for the Guineas following a prep run
Speedy types
Hot Streak (Kevin Ryan) - marvellous horse and a major points earner last season; could be even better aged four
Likely (David Barron) - won her only start last year aged two and should make up into a smart sprinter
Pearl Secret (David Barron) - top-notch sprinter who won twice last season, including in a bonus-points earning Listed race. Could make seasonal debut at Newmarket
Unknown quantities
Beshayer (Mikel Delzangles) - this three-year-old daughter of Galileo did all her prep work promisingly and is now with one of Europe's leading trainers
Indian Monsoon (Sir Michael Stoute) - big horse who needed time and did not race last year aged two, but under the care of a master trainer and is a son of the great Monsun
Heartless (Andrew Balding) - a three-year-old New Approach half-sister to Derby runner-up Treasure Beach; might need time, but interesting