Mabs Cross is looking likely to head straight to France for the defence of her Prix de l’Abbaye at Paris Longchamp in October following a poor run in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York.
The five year old Mare had been primed for a big run in the Nunthorpe Stakes after having a stellar preparation this season but unfortunately for connections didn't run to her potential.
last season the Nunthorpe left a sour taste in the mouth of connections to the sprinter when she was agonisingly touched off in a photo finish by Alpha Delphini and missed out on what would have been her first black type win of her career.
But heading into this seasons contest she had a good season, winning on her seasonal debut and then running well in defeat in some good races.
Mabs Cross does hold entries before the Group one race over in France in which she could use to get back on track before her title defence but it will be left to trainer Michael Dods on whether she goes in the 32Red Sprint Cup and Derrinstown Stud Flying Five at the Curragh next month.
The pacy mare finished fourth on Friday with her trainer believing her poor run was down to the ground being exceptionally quick and this was proven with the winner Battaash breaking a 29 year old course record.
(Credit At The Races) Michael Dods said: It was a bit firm for her on Friday. She’s come home, eaten up and been out in the field. She’s fine.
“The Abbaye is the plan. We might take a race in on the way, but we’ll probably wait for the Abbaye. We’re hoping for a bit of juice in the ground.”