Dods has another sprinting star on his hands with Mabs Cross

Michael Dods proved he was exceptional at training sprinting mares with dual Nunthorpe winner Mecca's Angel, and, although she's not quite up to that level yet, Mabs Cross flew home to collar Judicial on the line in the Group 3 Palace House Stakes, suggesting there was plenty more to come.

It didn't look likely for a long way, however, as Mabs Cross looked to be struggling to keep up in the early stages, but once Paul Mulrennan got serious with David Armstrong's four-year-old she responded in remarkable style towards the stands' side and won at 9-2.

The owner's distinctive red silks were carried to victory in the race aboard subsequent July Cup winner Mayson in 2012.

Havana Grey, a high-class juvenile last season, was sent off the 6-4 favourite to beat his elders on his first start at three, but, although he showed his customary early speed, he faded tamely away.

Watch Mabs Cross win the Palace House Stakes

It was left to 10-1 shot Judicial, who was sweating a great deal beforehand, to take over towards the centre of the track. He was eventually beaten a neck into second, with Alpha Delphini third at 7-1.

Mabs Cross gets the better of a thrilling finish to the Palace House StakesCredit: Edward Whitaker

Emma Armstrong, wife of owner David, said: "We'll have to go up to Group 1s now so we will have a look, she's in the King's Stand. Miss Meggy [the dam] was our first winner and Mabs Cross was our 100th winner when she won her Listed race [at Musselburgh] last year."

It was a fifth win from eight starts for the daughter of Dutch Art. She is a 20-1 shot (from 50-1) with Paddy Power for the King's Stand at Royal Ascot.

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