Diva the lady to follow

The second round of the Sporting Press Oaks dominates tonight’s action and Airforce Diva remains a strong favourite for outright honours following a superb opening-round success.

She will start hot favourite in Heat 3, where the biggest concern is whether she can clear her wide-running kennel-companion, Celebrity Juice, in the early yards. If doing so, she should win..

One of the feature clashes is in Heat 6 where fastest opening-round winner Milldean Tally meets Cabra Millie. The latter possesses exceptional pace from start to finish and should follow up her first-round win.

Cork Oaks winner Smoke Pixie suffered a shock defeat in the opening round, but should get back to winning ways in Heat 4.

Tyrur Monica returned to her best last weekend, but she may need to repeat that form in the fifth heat as her rivals include opening-round winners Tantallons Kay, Kranky Rosaleen and Lass Cause

Borna Gem remains on course to become the third bitch in succession to complete the Puppy Oaks/all-aged Oaks double and she has been handed a favourable draw in the final heat.

Munster representatives Droopys Ida, Rockburst Delta and Millbank Lola could fight out the finish to the opening heat, with preference for the last-named.

The Bettor.com Northern Irish Derby gets underway at Drumbo Park and there are some big names chasing the stg£25,000 prize.

Amongst those likely to go close in their respective heats this evening are Lisnakill Jack, Paradise Martini, Cuil Cougar, Ruthless Man and Tinas Nova.