TRAINER Michael Dods is hoping a trip to Paris will help him forget his York nightmare.
Dods' top sprinter Mabs Cross was beaten a nose into second by 40-1 shot Alpha Delphini in the Nunthorpe Stakes on Friday.
The high-class filly was well-supported before the race at 14-1, and punters placed thousands on her to get the verdict in a photo finish.
After an agonising wait, the judge called the result in the favour of Alpha Delphini.
Dods is still smarting from the outcome of the race, for all he was delighted with the four-year-old.
She will now head straight to the Group 1 Prix de l'Abbaye on Arc day at Longchamp on 7 October.
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Dods said: "I've not got over it yet.
"Everyone was telling me we had won, but I refused to believe it until the result was called.
"She had a hard race there so I'm quite happy to give the Irish race (Flying Five) a miss and look at France.
"Hopefully the ground might have a little bit more give in it there too, as that will suit her."
Royal Ascot winner Accidental Agent heads entries for Queen Elizabeth II StakesncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTErKynZpOke7a3jqynqKqkZLWwvtKeqZqbmaO0cIOQam9va2Zku7a606Gmq6iVYr%2B2us2eqWatoGK6oq7SZpqrp6OoerW7jKGcmpxdqMGzrcign61lpKR6tbTEZqeroahisaZ5y5qZm5mpmnw%3D