'Friday Night Lights' returns at Dundalk Friday sees the return of the popular ‘Friday Night Lights’ at Dundalk starting at 5.25pm and with Downpatrick beginning at 1.37pm, it’s the first of 18 double-headers to be staged in Ireland before the end of October. Paddy Harnett is currently chasing Sam Coen in the apprentice title race (21-19) and he heads to the Louth venue for just the one ride, Numantia trained by his boss Donnacha O’Brien in the concluding 1m2f 150yds maiden at 8.30pm. A €180,000 Goffs Orby purchase in 2024, this grey son of St Mark’s Basilica has shaped well in all three outings at the Curragh in much better company. On his latest start he went off the 11/8 favourite but could only manage third behind the well-regarded Tokyo Tower with triple Grade 1-winning chaser Solness a place behind in fourth. Donnacha O’Brien was crowned champion apprentice himself in 2016 before going on to become champion jockey in 2018-2019 and no doubt will be giving his stable apprentice plenty of solid chances with several weeks of the season remaining. Reunited with 3lb claimer Harnett, who rode Numantia on debut when 4th of 15 over a marginally shorter trip last May, this looks a gilt-edged opportunity from this low draw if he acts on this surface. Perfect Judgement back on his favourite surface Proven course form around here is always helpful for finding winners and Perfect Judgement fits that billing having registered three course wins going back off much higher marks. When trained by Stephen Thorne he won three times over a mile including off a mark of 84 in February last year. He found things tough afterwards, bar a creditable effort when third on turf off 85 at Gowran just over a year ago, and has since switched yards. This’ll be his first time returning to Dundalk for Pat Murphy and he now races off 56. Back in Gowran last month he ran with credit when only finding one too good in a 16-runner handicap off 58 when partnered by Ronan Whelan. His first career win came here over 6f in 2024 when trained by Ado McGuinness. Back racing on a surface that served him so well and with Epsom Derby-winning rider Whelan reunited, he looks an each-way wager from stall five. King teaming up with Willie in the opener Dan King’s association with Ireland’s champion jumps trainer Willie Mullins reaped a big race success when King Alexander landed the Galway Plate in July and the 21-year-old is a notable booking in the opening maiden hurdle (1.37pm). With stable jockey Paul Townend not riding at the meeting, rising star King has been called up to ride World As One with Danny Mullins partnering stable companion Blue Trix and Brian Hayes aboard Katie Can’t Count, also trained by the master of Closutton in the same race. Having reached the frame in her two bumper starts, World As One has gradually stepped up in her three outings over hurdles. With that experience behind her she might prove good enough in a race that sees champion rider Jack Kennedy make his return aboard Lygon Lad following his fall from Dairy Force at Down Royal last month.
