Sceptical heading to York after Newmarket defeat

Trainer Denis Hogan has confirmed Sceptical will head to York for the Nunthorpe after his narrow defeat in the Darley July Cup at Newmarket.

The four-year-old produced a gutsy run on Saturday afternoon but it was not enough as Oxted powered home to win the race over six furlongs.

Jockey Frankie Dettori has now guided Sceptical to two placed finishes this season, but Hogan believes his stable star can learn from the experience.

After opening his account in November last year, Sceptical has since won three times at Dundalk, while also winning a Listed race at Naas.

At Royal Ascot he finished third in the King’s Stand and Hogan believes he can compete in the Nunthorpe on August 21.

He told reporters: “He was a bit tired from all the travelling, but he’s good and sound, which is the main thing.

“At the moment the plan is to go for the Nunthorpe. Frankie felt coming back to five (furlongs) would suit, which obviously means we’ll have to take on Battaash, but we’ll probably give it a go.

“There is a Group Three at the Curragh on August 9 – the Phoenix Sprint Stakes. We’ll just see how he is over the next few days and then decide whether to run him there first or just go straight to York.”

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