Lass should prove too good for rivals

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.

She was beaten at odds-on in the opening round, but there’s little competition for the early lead in this race and Graham Holland’s bitch has a real chance to turn in front.

With a card that boasts 28.48 in a solo here and 28.21 in a race at Limerick, she has more than enough pace to outstrip these rivals and she’s a confident selection to lead all the way.

Ballymac Cait was well beaten last time, but she showed terrific pace on her previous effort here and, though we probably won’t see the best of her until she steps up to 575, she’s the one to fill the runner-up spot.

The first semi-final is a far superior contest, but Priceless Spark could hardly have been more impressive in the first round and she can follow up here.

One of three runners for the Gowran kennels of Paul Hennessy — all of which were first-round heat winners — she had the early pace to get the better of some smart sorts last time and a repeat should see her around the bend in front.

Her kennel companions, Tailteann Queen and Shes A Tornado, are both very capable, but she’s got loads of class and is also a confident selection to advance victorious. Tailteann Queen is better drawn than Shes A Tornado and rates the danger.