I always think of today as the changeover. The Flat season, which concludes in a fortnight, starts to wind down while the jumpers step up a gear, and this afternoon there is a fine mix.

On the level, Doncaster takes centre stage with an eight-race card, the highlight being the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy, in which Aiden O'Brien looks to enhance his fine record in the race.

In the last ten years O'Brien has saddled High Chaparral, Brian Boru and St Nicholas Abby to win a race which sets up the two-year-olds nicely for their classic campaign next term.

In this year's line-up O'Brien saddles two of the six runners in Camelot and Learn and it is the former who stands out as the stable number one.

Due to be ridden by the trainers' son Joseph, Camelot, who already heads the betting for next year's Derby, made a big impression when winning on his debut in a maiden at Leopardstown in July.

Kevin Ryan has already enjoyed a fine season and the Thirsk trainer can have another winner this afternoon at Doncaster with Racy in the five-furlong handicap at 2pm.

It's fair to say Racy hasn't had much luck this term with the draw and ground but he ran a cracker in defeat last time out at York over six furlongs and the return to the minimum trip can do the trick.

Stable jockey Phil Makin takes the ride and he is also hopeful of a bold show: "Racy deserves to win a good prize and appears to have everything to suit.

"He got worked up in the stalls last time at York but hopefully that was just a one off. I would be surprised if he wasn't on the premises at the business end."

Aintree get their season underway this afternoon with a super card, which features the Betfred Monet's Garden Old Roan Chase.

Only three runners face the starter but all eyes will be on the Paul Nicholls-trained Master Minded, who makes his seasonal reappearance.

With stable companions Kauto Star and Denman now in the twilight of their careers Master Minded is looking to fill their shoes and might be aimed at the King George over three miles after today's run.

Clive Smith, owner of Kauto Star and Master Minded, is looking forward to the change over.

"I love the Flat racing but when you own jumpers, this is what it's all about and I can't wait to get started," he said.

"Master Minded worked this morning and is in good shape, so we look forward to his first run."

We should all look forward to his first run and the season as a whole.