If you’re just getting into horse racing, one of the most fun things to do is build your own all-star roster of horses to follow through the season. You can bet on them, of course, if the price is right, but Thoroughbreds are also exciting “free agent” athletes to keep tabs on as they take on new challenges, just as you would your favorite tennis player, swimmer, boxer, or gymnast.

Horses designated as gray or roan in color are without question some of the most attractive around, and right now we’re blessed with a distinctive group among the upper echelon in racing. Here are six beauties to follow:

In full flight at the Pegasus. (Coglianese Photos/Gulfstream Park)

White Abarrio

He’s baa-aack! During 2022 and 2023, this talented racehorse was a regular presence in big-time races, winning three Grade 1 stakes including the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic two years ago. White Abarrio was off of the radar for most of last year, but now he’s back at the top of the sport with a powerhouse win in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes. This 6-year-old gray relishes running in the friendly confines of his home track, Gulfstream Park, where he has won seven of nine races. Loving life in sunny South Florida – who can blame him?

Sandman with some side eye. (Coady Media)

Speed King and Sandman

This duo started a rivalry last week on the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve trail by finishing 1-2 in the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas. Speed King led from start to finish, while Sandman reared up and nearly lost his jockey at the start but recovered and was flying late in a valiant effort. Speed King has a darker, metallic gray coat while Sandman is almost white, which is a trait often present in sons of his sire (father), Tapit. Round 2 between these 3-year-olds could come Feb. 22 in the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn.

Muhimma strikes a pose. (Walter Wlodarczyk/NYRA)

Muhimma

This gorgeous gal is undefeated in three starts and one of the leading contenders for the Longines Kentucky Oaks – the fillies’ equivalent of the Kentucky Derby – which will be held on May 2. She toyed with her opposition last year, including an impressive win in a stakes race in New York. Now, she’s training in Florida and should make her presence known once again very soon. Muhimma’s striking appearance comes from her dam (mother), Princesa Carolina, a gray or roan mare sired by …  you guessed it … Tapit.

Next, long-striding to victory. (Ryan Denver/EQUI-PHOTO)

Next

There aren’t too many horses in training more popular than this guy, who’s got that “middle-aged” gray vibe of a 7-year-old (most horses have retired by then). Next is a gelding, however, which means he won’t be moving on to a stud career. Instead, he’s taking a much deserved winter break with plenty of R&R and field time until he gears back up for another tour of long-distance races in the east and southeast, his specialty. No matter where he shows up, fans are sure to follow.

Hit Show throwin' blows. (Coady Media)

Hit Show

We may just be ready to see the best from this veteran now that he’s turned 5. Like White Abarrio, Hit Show has been holding his own over the past couple of years against high-level competition, and a couple of weeks ago, he returned in his 2025 debut to win a stakes race at Fair Grounds in New Orleans. Who knows – he could end up dueling with White Abarrio through the homestretch of a race somewhere in the months ahead, and wouldn’t that be something to see?