Mabs Cross looks terrific value at 9/1 in Group 1 King’s Stakes on the opening day of Royal Ascot on Tueswday (3.40)
This Michael Dods trained five-year-old filly is a tough an d consitent perfomer who has won seven of her 15 starts and also made the frame on four occasions.
She ran very well in this 12 months when a running on ywo lenbths third to Blue Point – finishing just a neck behind the runner-up Battaash and went on to finish a fine second of 15 to Alpha Delphini in the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes at York where she was beaten a nose.
It was heartbreaking for connections, but still a superb effort and she had Battaash – who led a furlong and a half from home and had every chance – 2 3/4 lengths behind in fourth.
Mabs Cross then gained compensation for that near miss when producing a career best performance to land the Group 1 Prix De L’ Abbaye at Longchamp on her final start of the campaign when beating Gold Vibe by a head
She comes into this having looked as good as ever when winning the Palace House for a second time on seasonal reappearance before finishing a solid 3 1/4 length third to Battaash in the Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock.
Mabs Cross had to give 2lb to Battaash on a track which doesn’t play to her strengths, but is now 5lb better off and will be far better suited by the stiff finish of this venue.
Everythibng looks in place for a big run, and she looks overpriced at the odds on offer in relation to Battaash and Blue Point.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Mabs Cross (9/1 bet365 – BOG)