THE battle to be crowned champion jockey continues at Dundalk on Wednesday evening, with Colin Keane and Pat Smullen both booked for seven rides on the eight-race card.

Smullen currently trails Keane by seven, and the reigning champion will need plenty to go his way between now and Sunday if he is to retain his title.

He rides Peace Officer in the opening Floodlit Friday Nights At Dundalk Maiden, and this American bred-colt looks to have solid claims after finishing fourth and third on his last two starts at the Co Louth venue.

Frima appears to be Smullen's best chance of winner, and she lines up in the sixth race on the card, the www.dundalkstadium.com Maiden.

This daughter of Frankel has been placed on three of her four starts to date, and she is tried in cheekpieces for the first time now.

Keane registered a double at the venue last Friday, and he will be hoping for more success on the likes of Artistic Melody, Melisandre, and the hat-trick seeking Ben Rumson.

Killarney winner Artistic Melody is one of 14 declared for the Book Your Christmas Party At Dundalk Handicap, and she should give a good account of herself in this competitive contest.

Melisandre, who was third here on Friday, takes her chance in the Irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap and is tried in blinkers for the first time.

The aforementioned duo are trained by Ger Lyons, while Tom McCourt is responsible for Ben Rumson.

This five-year-old gelding takes his chance in the second divide of the Crowne Plaza Hotel Dundalk Handicap, and he is sure to prove popular with punters after winning his last two at the venue.

The first split of this mile and a half contest looks a wide-open affair, with Solar Heat, Fioruisce, Shake The Bucket and Total Demolition a few for the shortlist.

The evergreen Bubbly Bellini should give a good account of himself in the Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Apprentice Handicap, while Loving A Boom looks the one to beat in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.