Search on for next superstar

It is the nature of flat racing that we are graced by the presence of such legendary horses for what seems like a blink of an eye before they depart to the good life of the breeding yard and the millions to be earned as a stallion.

On Saturday, a selection of the best two-year-olds around will compete at Newmarket for the Group 1 Jumeirah Dewhurst Stakes, with connections universally hoping that they have unearthed the next Nijinsky, Mill Reef, Dubai Millennium or, indeed, Sea The Stars.

New crop

And although it is unlikely that a colt of Sea The Stars calibre will be revealed, the 2009 juvenile crop does suggest an heir to the throne could progress in 2010 to be crowned the new king.

Godolphin have enjoyed their best campaign in a decade and arguably possess two colts who could re-establish the Dubai-based operation at the pinnacle of the sport.

Al Zir cost $1.6 million as a yearling and looks an outstanding middle-distance prospect for next year. The Guineas may be short of his best trip and he looks more suited to the mile-and-half of the Derby after trouncing all in a conditions race.

But more significant perhaps is this week's purchase by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, of National Stakes first and second Kingsfort and Chabal. The latter is the favourite for the Dewhurst and will run in the famous Godolphin blue there­after. Should he win as expected, then the acquisition, on Monday, looks to be a very shrewd business move.

But you can never rule out Ballydoyle from the Classic reckoning and St Nicholas Abbey, may give the Irish yard a chance to reclaim dominance after winning the Group Two Juddmonte Beresford Stakes in September - the race which a year earlier was won by Sea The Stars. Already the Aidan O'Brien-trained juvenile has been elevated to ante-post Derby favourite.

Six of the best: Legends of the track

Sea Bird II

Mill Reef

Brigadier Gerard

Shergar

Lammtarra

Dubai Millennium