G1SP Sceptical (GB) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}) is likely to return to England in a bid for sprint honours at the top level following his narrow defeat in the G1 Diamond Jubilee S. at Royal Ascot where he was third to Hello Youmzain (Fr) (Kodiac {GB}) for trainer Denis Hogan. Hogan will look at the G1 Darley July Cup and the G1 Coolmore Nunthorpe S. for his stable star. Sceptical, a winner at listed level in Ireland, is also the highest rated speedster in Ireland, with four wins on the bounce before his Royal Ascot adventure.
“It was bitter sweet, I suppose,” said Hogan. “It could have been a brilliant day, but it was still a great day in fairness. He did himself proud and he'll be back again. We'll see about the July Cup and Nunthorpe. He's in the [G3] Greenlands next Sunday [at the Curragh], but I'd imagine that will come too soon. We'll give him a chance, because he's been busy enough.”
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