Sceptical or not? Analysis and trainer quotes as Hogan speedster faces big test

5.35 Naas
Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital Woodlands Stakes (Listed) | 5½f | 4yo+ | RTV

There are a couple of different ways you could look at this Listed contest.

The first would be to take Sceptical's rating off 114 at face value and conclude he is open to even further progression stepping up to Listed company for the first time.

The second would be to poke holes in those winning performances at Dundalk that have led to him being so highly rated.

Yes, Sceptical was visually impressive and went from strength to strength in his three wins on the all-weather during the winter, but you would have to ask yourself what horse in this line-up wouldn't beat Red Cymbal comfortably in a handicap off a mark of 101 at Dundalk?

There is no question Denis Hogan has unearthed another high-class basement buy, which is evident in the fact the trainer is dreaming about Royal Ascot for the gelding, but make no mistake, Sceptical faces a stern examination of his credentials here.

He may have a fitness edge but Forever In Dreams was placed twice at the highest level last term, Buffer Zone cut his teeth in handicaps last season and is worthy of his shot, while Sergei Prokofiev is also a classy colt on his day.

The race may revolve around Sceptical, as does the market, but he has plenty of questions to answer tackling this grade and racing on turf for the first time.

Victory would cement his place as Ireland's best sprinter but he has to go out and earn that status against some seriously talented speedsters. A fascinating race should be in store.

What they say

Joe Murphy, trainer of Gustavus Weston
The trip might be a bit short for us but we have to start somewhere as there isn't an oversupply of six-furlong races. The Greenlands Stakes might be next, depending on how he runs in this.

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of No Needs Never
He’s coming back in trip and we’ll see if it suits him or not. He has always been a good traveller and he has plenty of pace. Hopefully it will suit him.

Denis Hogan, trainer of Sceptical
We all know how impressive he has been at Dundalk but this is a step up in grade and we'd be hopeful he can transfer his form over to the grass. We have a day to think about Ascot after this, whether we enter for the King's Stand Stakes or the Diamond Jubilee Stakes, but I think he has enough gears for the King's Stand. We're looking forward to Naas first and it looks a very good race.

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Sergei Prokofiev
He's at his best coming off a fast pace. He won first time up last season and appears to be very well at home.

Aidan Fogarty, trainer of Forever In Dreams
It's some race. She's ready to start off but I'd say she'll come on from the run. She's in good form and working well, but I just think she'll take the run. She normally takes a run every year and hopefully this will tee her up nicely for Royal Ascot, where she'll run in the Diamond Jubilee. Sceptical looks a fair horse and he might be hard to beat.

Fozzy Stack, trainer of Woody Creek
She was beaten in three photo-finishes in stakes and Group races last season and was probably unlucky not to win a big one. She's in good order and hopefully she'll run well but it's quite a hot contest for a Listed race.

Read more

Longest Irish racing hiatus in history makes swift resumption at Naas

Royal Ascot clues on offer in high-class running of Listed Committed Stakes

Bet directly from any racecard by tapping the odds button to open your betslip. View the latest races available on the racecards tab on racingpost.com or on the free Racing Post app