Keane almost there after Dundalk brace

"Mind games" said Ger Lyons when Pat Smullen conceded at Naas on October 15th. Nobody believes now though that it'll be anything other than a first jockey's championship for Colin Keane this term after a Dundalk double tonight.

The Trim man moved on to the 94 winner mark, seven ahead of Smullen, when getting Prunella Dobbs' Carried home by two and a half lengths in split two of the Irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap.

In truth Smullen has been fighting a losing battle for a while now and Keane had earlier further tightened his grip on the title race with a win on Noel Meade's Art Of Unity in the 6.00.

Smullen is suspended for tomorrow's action at Leopardstown whilst Keane has seven rides.

Keane reported: "We went a good lick and early doors he just had a bit of speed. We thought if we could drop him back in trip we could stretch them early doors and give him a breather and then let him roll on again. 

"It has worked out well for him. He stays very well and he loves the surface here. Credit to Mrs Dobbs for keeping him fresh."

(MG & EM)