Pixie withdrawal opens door for Gem in Oaks

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.

With original ante-post favourite Airforce Diva knocked out on Saturday, the new favourites are Borna Gem, Cabra Millie and College Maybe.

Borna Gem makes most appeal now and would also be the third bitch in a row to complete the Puppy Oaks and Irish Oaks double, following in the steps of Dalcash Dvinsky and Droopys Twirl in the past two years.