July Cup mission on the cards for Diamond Jubilee third Sceptical

Denis Hogan has his sights set on the Darley July Cup for Sceptical after the four-year-old finished a close third in the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The trainer was full of praise for Sceptical following Saturday's performance on his first foray in Group company, and expects him to be even better when encountering a firmer surface.

Hogan said: "We're looking at the July Cup and further ahead we have the Nunthorpe and the Flying Five at the Curragh. Frankie [Dettori] wasn't worried about the six and on drier ground he can conserve more energy."

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Sceptical is 7-1 with Sky Bet to bounce back in the July Cup, with Golden Horde the 7-2 general favourite after his impressive success in the Commonwealth Cup.

Diamond Jubilee winner Hello Youmzain is a general 5-1 chance, with runner-up Dream Of Dreams available at 12-1.

Denis Hogan (left) with ScepticalCredit: Patrick McCann

Of Sceptical's performance in the race, Hogan added: "He ran his heart out. Frankie was critical of himself for committing too soon but I wasn't. We just got outstayed on dead ground by hardened campaigners, which we are not. I think we can come forward again.

"We were a bit unlucky with the weather this week but I'm delighted with the horse and proud of him."

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