Denis Hogan’s Sceptical aiming to Royal approval
By Shane Brophy
Cloughjordan trainer Denis Hogan will hope to break his duck with a first Group 1 winner when he saddles the favourite Sceptical in the prestigious Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot on Saturday.
In confirming his position as the leading sprinter in Ireland when blowing away the opposition to win the Listed Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital Woodlands Stakes at Naas last Monday week, Sceptical is the talk of the flat racing scene, not only in Ireland but in Britain, having won all four of his five races run so far.
He added to three earlier victories at Dundalk with a scintillating display which put him on course for two top-level contests at Royal Ascot this week, eventually selecting the Diamond Jubilee Stakes on the final day of the Royal meeting where Sceptical is currently the 2/1 favourite.
“He’s the best horse by far that I’ve ever had,” admitted Denis Hogan having been bought by the Dublin based Hilltop Racing syndicate for just £2,800 at the sales in August last year.
“He’s a special horse and so easy to train.
“I saw him doing a bit of work at Charlie Swan’s last Tuesday. I’ve seen a lot of horses go up that gallop and I’ve never seen a horse go up it as quick and powerful.”
“I’m delighted for Jim Gough and James McAuley. They picked him out,” Hogan added.
The last two victories have come with stable jockey Joey Sheridan on board, however, he is ineligible to ride as a 7lb claimer. A whole host of the best jockeys immediately made themselves available with the King of Ascot Frankie Dettori getting the ride on Sceptical for the race which gets underway at 3.35pm.
Hogan also saddles Grammata in the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes at 1.15pm and is currently a 28/1 chance.