The withdrawal of Smoke Pixie from the quarter-finals of the Sporting Press Irish Oaks is a major blow to her connections following her stunning 28.31 run in dreadful conditions at Shelbourne Park last Saturday.

Tonight’s second semi-final of the McCarthy Insurance Group Cork Oaks at Curraheen Park looks tailor-made for Lass Cause, who should prove too good for her rivals and therefore earns the nap selection.