A message from Marten: "I wanted to let you know that I have been very busy researching, interviewing trainers and writing my latest edition of the Dark Horses Annual. This is now complete and the book will be turned around by the printers and available by Monday 22nd February. We decided to publish the book a few weeks in advance of the usual date, so that you can take advantage of the ante-post market and because I've managed to speak with my contacts earlier than usual."

The Dark Horses Annual includes news and information about:
• An unraced colt from the Godolphin stable whose work last season showed he had the class and potential to compete with the best
• A former Derby entry, once-raced last season, who starts the new campaign on what looks a very favourable mark
• A once-raced three-year-old gelding who, despite finishing unplaced, put up one of the most remarkable performances seen from a two-year-old all season
• A colt who, at double-figure odds, is seriously overpriced for the 2,000 Guineas
• A four-year-old gelding who has been kept in training to exploit his mark despite finishing last of 16 on his sole outing last season
• A horse named to me at last year's Newmarket Sales by one of the north's shrewdest handlers