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Another smart sprinter for Michael Dods to work with

Mabs Cross denied Judicial in the dying strides of the Longholes Palace House Stakes at Newmarket.

The Michael Dods-trained filly finished with a real flourish to account for Julie Camacho’s charge, who was making her seasonal debut.

Dods, who trained dual Nunthorpe winner Mecca’s Angel, appears to have another classy sprinter on his hands.

Sent off at 9-2, the four-year-old showed a smart turn of foot for Paul Mulrennan and is now around 20-1 for the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Mulrennan said: “I think she learnt a lot from Bath (second in a Listed race last month), nothing went right there, but it stood her in good stead today. She’s not got many miles on the clock, so we keep dreaming – she keeps improving.

“She’s still not fully come in her coat, either, so you’d think she’d improve a little bit from today.”

Emma Armstrong, wife of winning owner, David, said: “We bred her, so we’re thrilled.

“Ironically we won this with Mayson, too. We’re very pleased, that was the plan and it was good today.

“We’ll have to have a look at Group Ones, as it seems a bit hard carrying a penalty in Group Threes.”

Dan Downie, racing manager of Elite Racing who own Judicial, said: “We’re very pleased with him, it was a question mark going up in grade but he’s taken it in his stride.

“Luke Morris’ only comment afterwards was that he wished he had more horses around him for longer as he just idled a bit in front.

“There’s the Temple Stakes at Haydock, which might be something we look at.”