Mabs Cross can prove to be a class above today’s rivals when she contests the Sapphire Stakes Group 2 over 5f at the Curragh.
The Michael Dods-trained filly has improved with every run since contesting the 5f trip and she can land this lucrative prize before heading to the Nunthorpe at York in August.
The Dutch Art filly was tried over 6f for her first two starts of her career last season before connections decided the minimum trip would suit her best. A great decision that turned out to be, winning five of her last eight races which including the Group 3 Palace House Stakes at Newmarket.
Owner David Armstrong has only seen his star finish outside of the placings on one occasion in that time when ½ a length fourth to Battaash in the Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock.
The four-year-old was last seen when finishing a terrific third in the Group 1 Kings Stand at Royal Ascot behind winner Blue Point, comfortably reversing the form of the Temple Stakes with today’s rival Washington DC. She showed she can certainly hold her own against the boys and in Group 1 company and should not be underestimated today in this weaker race.
Travelling over to the Curragh for the first time in her short career looks to be the only unknown factor in what looks a race likely to suit the fast-finishing Mabs Cross. Caspian Prince and Washington DC are likely to ensure that this contest is run at a blistering pace which will benefit the selection greatly after hearing the comments of regular rider Paul Mulrennan following the Ascot run
“She’s a real warm-up filly and takes a while to hit top gear, but she flies when she does and has a hell of an engine”
She can prove her class at the business end to see off the likeable Caspian Prince who is 11lb’s better off for a short head defeat to Battle Of Jericho at the end of last month. Havana Grey would be a danger if rediscovering his smart juvenile form but has shown no signs of a revival just yet and with many of the runners in the field seemingly held by the selection on the recent form, she can continue her progress and prove to be extremely hard to beat.
