Apalachee: Won three from three as a juvenile including Observer Gold Cup (now Racing Post Trophy) to become Europe's champion two-year-old. Won Gladness Stakes first time out at three and started 4 to 9 favourite for the 2,000 Guineas but finished only third. A huge disappointment considering Timeform's verdict at the end of Apalachee's two-year-old career: "Strikes us as one of the nicest two-year-olds we have ever seen." Never ran again.

Try My Best: Europe's top juvenile in 1977 with three wins from three starts including the Dewhurst Stakes. Started Evens favourite for the 2,000 Guineas after winning his first race at three but finished stone last of the 19 runners. "An even more sensational defeat than Apalachee's. He at least finished third," said Timeform. Was reported to be suffering from infection in Guineas but didn't get the chance to re-establish himself and never ran again.

Monteverdi: A small, neat colt who won four from four, including the Dewhurst Stakes, to become Europe's top two-year-old of 1979. However Lester Piggott had to hit the son of Lyphard between the ears to make him concentrate in the Dewhurst and suspicions were confirmed when he failed to win from four starts at three. Called "useless" by Piggott after Irish 2,000 Guineas and was an also ran in the Derby. "The facial expressions of connections after he was beaten in the Greenham said it all," reported Timeform.

Storm Bird: Won five from five as a two-year-old including Dewhurst Stakes in 1980. Champion European juvenile. Hot favourite for 2,000 Guineas and Derby but had his mane and tail hacked off by a disgruntled stable lad during the winter and missed the classic races. Ran once more after being sold to a stud in America for a whopping $30 million (a price described by Timeform as "prepostorous"), at Longchamp in September when finishing only seventh of nine.

Danzatore: Ireland's top juvenile of 1982, winning three from three including the Beresford Stakes. Won at the Phoenix Park first time out at three and was as low as 7 to 4 for the 2,000 Guineas when withdrawn only eight days before the race. Replaced by stable companion Lomond who won. Ran only once more when last of five at the Phoenix Park in July. "We need not concern ourselves with him any more. He has been sent as a stallion to New Zealand," reported a relieved Timeform.