Star sprinter Sceptical diverted to Diamond Jubilee and made new favourite

Denis Hogan is now lining up a bid for the Diamond Jubilee for his highly progressive sprinter Sceptical, who has been installed as 3-1 favourite with Paddy Power for his new Royal Ascot target.

The four-year-old made a striking impression with his three-length success in a Listed event in Naas on Monday, priming himself as the key challenger to Battaash for Tuesday's King's Stand Stakes.

But instead connections of Sceptical have opted to test him in Saturday's Group 1 prize over six furlongs, which will allow them more time between his races.

Denis Hogan (left) with rising star sprinter ScepticalCredit: Patrick McCann

He tops Paddy Power's Diamond Jubilee market ahead of 4-1 chance Space Blues and Hello Youmzain, who is an 11-2 chance.

Hogan tweeted on Friday morning: "After discussing with
@RacingHilltop [Twitter page for owner James McAuley] and jockeys, weighing up all options, we have decided in the best interest and welfare of the horse – and considering long season ahead – to skip the King's Stand in favour of the Diamond Jubilee on Saturday allowing him five extra days."

Sceptical will be seeking an extraordinary rags-to-riches success at the royal meeting next week. He was purchased for £2,800 from Godolphin but has already amassed £43,123 and is out to capture his first Group prize worth £148,000 to the winner.

The four-year-old has won four of his five starts with his Naas success the first away from Dundalk, Ireland's only all-weather racing venue.

The news has seen Battaash shorten from Evens to 8-13 for the King's Stand Stakes in the absence of his key market rival.

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