15:50 Doncaster, October 22nd - Racing Post Trophy

If we include the 2006 renewal, staged at Newbury, the Racing Post Trophy has actually produced seven winning favourites in the last 10 years. However, winners at 33/1 and 25/1 in the same period provide cause for optimism, as far as this column is concerned and, with the bookmakers betting 10/1 bar three ante post, we couldn’t resist a dabble in the last Group One contest of the season.

Aidan O’Brien, who has won the Racing Post Trophy seven times, is responsible for six of the 17 horses that held their ground at the latest declaration stage, including the first two in the market, Capri (5/4) and Yucatan (5/1). Capri kept on well to beat Yucatan by three-quarters of a length in the Group Two Beresford Stakes at the Curragh last month and sets a decent standard, for all that he’s yet to win on ground faster than yielding.

Frankuus (16/1) is by Frankel out of a Linamix mare, so it shouldn’t really be a surprise that he’s improved for the step up to a mile, and beyond, on his last two starts. He recorded a career-best effort when beating Prince Hlodowig by a neck in the Group Three Prix de Conde, over 1 mile 1 furlong, at Chantilly last month and, while he needs to improve again to win, that’s not beyond the realms of possibility.

Sir Dancealot (16/1) is bred to be a sprinter and looked good value for his winning margin when beating Dream Of Dreams and Perfect Angel by three-quarters of a length and half an length in the Listed Rockingham Stakes, over 6 furlongs, at York two weeks ago. He weakened close home when third, beaten three-quarters of a length, in the Group Three Tattersalls Stakes, over 7 furlongs, at Newmarket on his previous start, but must have decent prospects of staying a mile, especially on a flat track. If he does, it doesn’t require a leap of faith to envisage him being involved in the finish.

Contrapposto (25/1) has plenty to find with the principals on official figures, but his maiden form behind D’bai and Rivet has been well advertised and his chance may not be quite as forlorn as his odds suggest. Indeed, the Cacique colt opened his account when keeping on strongly to win his maiden at Nottingham earlier this month and looks a smart performer in the making. Whether he’s smart enough to cause an upset at this early stage of his career remains to be seen, but he looks one to keep on the right side.

Selections: Doncaster 3.50 Frankuus (16/1), Sir Dancealot (16/1), Contrapposto (25/1)