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The Racing Post's Jonathan Hobbs talks us through the dogs to watch in 2008...

The Prestige at Hall Green and the Coronation Cup at Romford keep open-race fans sweet in the early days of 2008 - but we are going to look further ahead!
It's that time of the year when lists of 'dogs to follow' should be drawn up, and here follows a selection of those who can star on the open-race scene in the coming months and, no apologies for including some old favourites.

Ballymac Under. Five from five in a British career and connections you can only dream of as a punter. Trainer Dartnall, owned Byrne. Say no more. Derby class.

Barnfield On Air. How can you leave him out? Unfortunately for punters he is always likely to be on the skinny side but in terms of punting one for the major races ante-post, he has to be the first port of call for the Sam Poots/Darran Keefe combination. Aeroplane.

Blonde Dino. Still gets in the list despite losing his way just slightly in the last quarter of the year. It had been a hard campaign and his performances at Monmore as Rough Ronaldinho and then the Derby should not be forgotten. Trainer John Mullins will guide him well.

Carlsberg Flash. It's all in the name! Barry Silkman, ex-footballer turned greyhound trainer turned successful football agent is back with a licence and training "one or two " dogs. He has told me to keep an eye out for this youngster and has given it the prefix of his superstar of yesteryear, Carlsberg Champ.

Droopys Curb. From a kennel to watch in 2008. Dean Childs guided this youngster to victory in the red-hot puppy stake at Walthamstow and was easy on him for the rest of 2007. Patience can be rewarded.

Droopys Dumont. Ted Soppitt has a regular supply of top-notch youngsters and wins plenty of races with them. Has looked another champion in the making in trials.

Farloe Reason. The form of the Northern Puppy Derby looks to be the most solid of the puppy class in 2007. His defeat of Westmead Keawn was impressive and both winner and runner-up should be making hay in 2008. Farloe Reason's litter brother Ninja Jamie - both are trained by Charlie Lister - is also reportedly top notch.

Frisby Foxwatch. What a story if this Harry Crapper-trained daughter of the 2001 St Leger winner Frisby Folly can emulate her mother in the major staying races. Should acquit herself well in the Prestige and should continue to improve.

Mustang Garcia. If asked for the winner of the Pall Mall or Peterborough Derby in 2008, at this early stage this Sam Poots-trained flyer would be the answer.

Pea Ball. Took a nasty fall at Wimbledon but remains one to keep on the right side of. Pace to burn and experience aplenty now. Another Derby finalist for the McNairs?

Pond Gallileo. A personal favourite after seeing him close up winning over six bends and then four. Harry Williams had a great 2007 and this youngster can help him make it another superb 12 months.

Rio Quando. Probably impressed me more when he was beaten by Barnfield On Air at Walthamstow that he did when clocking a sensational 460m time at Wimbledon. Danny Riordan also knows the time of day.