TODAY the final Group 1 of the season takes place at Doncaster in the shape of the Racing Post Trophy, in which ten talented two-year-olds face the starter.

The talented bunch have already amassed 17 wins between them in their first season and Titus Mills and Native Khan look the best English runners but I can’t help thinking the prize will go across the Irish Sea.

Leading Irish trainer Aiden O’Brien saddles Master Of The Hounds and Seville in the line-up but he still might only be playing for minor honours as the Kevin Prendergast Dunboyne Express looks the real deal, as does my main selection Casamento.

Trained on the Curragh by Michael Halford, Casamento was very impressive when demolishing a useful field in the Group 2 Juddmonte Stakes last time out at the trainer’s local track and it will be a major surprise if he is not involved this afternoon.

One of the very few horses that run in the famous maroon and white colours of his owner Sheikh Mohammed, Casamento is set to be ridden by Frankie Dettori for the first time and his trainer is very much looking for the task ahead, saying: “Everything has gone like clockwork and I would not swap him for anything.

He added: “We’ve liked him from the start and his main attributes are his wonderful temperament and high cruising speed.”

Halford has pinpointed the unbeaten Dunboyne Express as the main danger.

“I’ve a lot of respect for Dunboyne Express and Ballydoyle are also very strong but I still wouldn’t swap him.”

Casamento’s half brother, Inler, runs later in the sevenfurlong conditions stakes at 4.05 for Brian Meehan and Kieren Fallon, but he has proved disappointing this term and is easily passed over.

The most solid option in this line-up would be Flambeau, who is coming back from a break, and the booking of champion jockey elect Paul Hanagan is a bonus.

Consistent all season, threeyear- olds have a good record in this race and everything looks set for a solid run today, keeping Hanagan at the top of the jockeys’ table.

Jump racing steps up a gear with Aintree opening their gates. The Old Roan Chase is the highlight of the card and Paul Nicholls has a live chance of taking the prize with Poquelin.

Nicholls has booked Barry Geraghty to take the ride as stable jockey Ruby Walsh is suspended.

Last year’s winner of the race, Monet’s Garden, the 12- year-old grey, is sure to be popular with the locals and, although the heart would love to see him win, the pocket is hoping for Poquelin.