Three-way apprentice title race set for thrilling climax at the Curragh on Sunday

The battle to be crowned champion apprentice in Ireland has been a compelling tale in recent weeks with all three contenders wrestling the lead off each other, and it's poised for a thrilling climax at the Curragh on Sunday.

Adam Caffrey rode a 51-1 double at Dundalk on Wednesday to make it a three-way tie on 31 with James Ryan and Wayne Hassett before Ryan replied with a double of his own later in the day, establishing a lead of two.

All three drew a blank on Friday, although Hassett was unlucky not to get one back on Polaris Dancer after his mount failed to nod at the correct time.

Given their respective book of rides, the momentum could veer in any direction and title-race leader Ryan is hoping Jon Riggens (1.55) can arrive with one of his customary late lunges.

He said: "Jon Riggens needs things to fall right but if they do he's capable of going close. The five furlongs is probably a furlong short for him but he loves soft ground, so that should play into our favour."

Ryan also gets the spin on the Ray Cody-trained Enziya (12.25), Catherine Chroi (1.25) for Claire O'Connell and Sundance Sioux (4.10) in the finale for Cian Hughes.

"Enziya ran well on his debut when fifth at Gowran. We're drawn wide but he was plenty green the last day, so I'd be hopeful there's plenty of improvement. Catherine Chroi ran well last week at Dundalk on her Irish debut. On her English form, she handles soft ground no problem and got the seven furlongs well last time.

"Sundance Sioux was just beaten in a Fairyhouse maiden on his debut in June and has been unlucky in two starts since. If he can bounce back to that Fairyhouse form, he would have a right chance."

With a two-stroke lead, Ryan is far from the type to be getting ahead of himself and has had a phenomenal campaign, irrespective of what unfolds today, the highlight of which came nine days ago with a maiden Group success on the Daniel Murphy-trained Ostraka.

"Whatever happens, happens. It'd be great to win the title, but I've had a great season either way. Whatever happens this weekend will be a bonus."

Caffrey is set for five mounts and holds particularly good chances with Eddie G (1.25) and Apache Outlaw (1.55) for his boss Ado McGuinness.

Hassett has plenty of shots to unload, however, with seven mounts. All of them can be given chances but the Aidan O'Brien-trained debutant Propose (12.25), Mataaraki (12.55) and Harry's Hill (1.55) for his uncle Martin are especially interesting.

Fresh from steering Magnum Force to Breeders' Cup glory at Del Mar on Friday night, Colin Keane (103) will return to be crowned champion jockey for the sixth time, with Billy Lee (95) chasing him home for the third year running.

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