Shawanda can tighten grip on Oaks

THE reigning champion Shawanda can tighten her grip on the Razldazl Billy Southern Oaks at Youghal by taking the second of tonight’s semi-finals.

Unbeaten in this last year, Shawanda made an impressive opening defence last week, recording a runaway 29.03 success. Owen McKenna’s 12-times winner is better drawn on the rails tonight (ran from trap three last week) and should prove a tough nut to crack.

Express Tune, who created a favourable impression when scoring in 29.35, reads the pick of the opposition.

Whatever the fate of Express Tune, Cashel owner-trainer Michael Dalton can take the first semi-final with her litter sib, Express Smasher. A length runner-up behind Shawanda in last year’s final, Express Smasher advertised her well bring when posting a 29.17 effort in the opening round.

Tyrur Jean, who recovered from a very tardy start to score in 29.28, rates the obvious danger.

The exciting Society Assassin can cheat the draw in the Billy Kelly Memorial Unraced Stakes final. The John Rainsford trained runner made it two wins from as many starts when carding 29.22 last week and a trap three draw is unlikely to halt his progress.

Queen Rock, a two lengths runner-up behind the selection last time, should again bethereabouts.

Eye King, unlucky when bowing out in the semi-finals of the St Leger at Limerick last month, can also cheat the draw in the paddypower.com Irish Derby Trial Stake.