Massive Dundalk card for Billy Lee after he loses appeal against whip ban

And then there were three. We're down to the final trio of meetings in the 2022 Irish Flat season, and all eyes will be on Colin Keane and Billy Lee's engaging jockeys' championship battle at Dundalk on Wednesday afternoon.

Latest standings

A 28-1 winner at Galway on Monday helped reigning champion Colin Keane draw level with Billy Lee on a scoreline of 89-89, as the title challenger drew a blank from eight rides.

Wednesday's eight-race card at Dundalk is a pivotal fixture in the championship battle as it will be Lee's last chance to add to his tally this season.

A whip ban picked up on October 21 has ruled the top jockey out of the final two days of the season – at Dundalk on Friday and Naas on Sunday – after he lost an appeal against the sanction at a hearing on Wednesday morning.

How do bookmakers price up the title?

Keane was cut to 1-10 to be crowned champion jockey for the fourth time by Paddy Power on Wednesday morning.

Colin Keane: three-time Irish champion Flat jockeyCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Lee, who has drawn a blank at his last two fixtures, is out to 11-2 with Paddy Power to win his first title.

Who are they riding at Dundalk on Wednesday?

Lee will be involved in all eight races at Ireland's only all-weather venue and Keane has a possible seven rides, though one is a reserve.

Lee is expected to have five mounts at single-figure prices, according to the Racing Post's betting forecast, while Keane is teed up for four chances shorter than double-digits – including an even-money favourite.

Colin Keane's rides and predicted odds

2.00 Bucky Larson (evens)
2.30 Darkdeserthighway (9-1)
3.30 Capital Guarantee (14-1)
4.00 Chica Power (4-1)
4.30 Secret Road (no odds - third reserve)
5.05 Stardayz (14-1)
5.40 Baby Bubbles (7-1)

Billy Lee's rides and predicted odds

2.00 Sweeping Statement (14-1)
2.30 Cedar Rapids (11-2)
3.00 Riesling (7-1)
3.30 Timely Boost (16-1)
4.00 Beleaguerment (4-1)
4.30 Irish Act (10-1)
5.05 Universal Focus (7-1)
5.40 Alfalfa (6-1)

Who are Keane and Lee's best chances?

Keane's likeliest hope of getting on the scoresheet probably comes in the opening claiming race (2.00) when partnering Bucky Larson for boss Ger Lyons.

As for Lee, he has a host of live chances without having one standout, though the Ross O'Sullivan-trained Universal Focus looks bound to be involved in the first division of the 1m4f handicap (5.05).

Universal Focus (yellow and black silks): runs off 8lb lower than his last win at Dundalk under Billy Lee in September 2021Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

O'Sullivan said: "This horse's last three wins have come with Billy on him. We'd love to get Billy another winner here as he's had a bit of luck riding for us over the years.

"Universal Focus has been very consistent and has a good record on the all-weather. The trip should suit. He's getting on in years [as a nine-year-old] but hopefully he'll run a nice race."

Form figures for their last 20 rides

Billy Lee 61065202270770620530 (one winner)
Colin Keane 87080903065351044485 (one winner)

Dundalk card and betting

Read this next:

End of an era as 'loyal' Derby winner Manning hangs up boots after 40 years

Have you tried the new Racing Post app? Its new game-changing odds comparison allows you to check the price and place terms all on one simple screen. Make sure you get the best price on all your bets! The new app is available here.