RACING:THE BATTLE for the apprentice title has added a layer of drama to the finish of Ireland's flat season, and Joseph O'Brien could take an important step towards winning it at Dundalk tonight.

There are just two more fixtures on the all-weather after this, and O’Brien is set to appeal against a two-day ban that threatens to scupper his attempt to overhaul Gary Carroll and Ben Curtis.

Although no date has yet been set for the appeal, and Aidan O’Brien’s son is two winners behind his rivals on the 35-winner mark for the year, he does have a full book of eight rides tonight.

They include a number of highly-promising mounts, headed by a pair of Ballydoyle juveniles that can score for their teenage rider.

The regally-bred Diogenes improved significantly from his debut to run fourth at Leopardstown almost a month ago, and looks the best of Aidan O’Brien’s three scheduled runners.

Imperator Augustus also put in an improved performance on his second start over seven furlongs on the all-weather when runner-up to Park Avenue. The Ballydoyle colt drops back a furlong today but should be hard to beat.

Dahindar has three wins at Dundalk already and, despite a rapid rise through the weights on the back of two recent victories, Eddie Lynam’s horse can score again in the seven-furlong handicap.

Pat Smullen is on the verge of sixth senior crown and could add to his 92 winners with Sports Casual and Star Of Aragon.