Bargain buy Sceptical sets up Royal Ascot raid with awesome Naas display

Sceptical confirmed his position as Ireland's top sprinter after a devastating performance in the Listed Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital Woodlands Stakes at Naas, with a tilt at the King's Stand Stakes next week now on the cards for Denis Hogan's bargain buy.

Paddy Power cut the Godolphin castoff, who was picked up for just £2,800 last August, to 7-1 (from 12-1) for the top-level contest next Tuesday, although he will also be given an entry in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes over a furlong further.

"He's a special horse," said Hogan from a respectable distance in the Naas winner's enclosure.

"He's so easy to train. I'm delighted for James McAuley and Jim Gough who picked him out. Jim loves his racing and it's a pity he can't be here, but he's got a good horse and will probably go to Royal Ascot next week for the King's Stand."

The three-time Dundalk winner, rated 114 before Monday's three-length demolition job under talented apprentice Joey Sheridan, coasted through the race, displaying an extremely high cruising speed before quickening up to have the race in his pocket a furlong out.

Denis Hogan (left) and Joey Sheridan in discussion after Sceptical routed his Naas rivalsCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Jim Bolger's Southern Horse ran very creditably at 25-1 to claim a never-threatening second, while Buffer Zone was another length back in third.

Hogan was effusive in his praise for the four-year-old, who had been pleasing the Boherna handler during lockdown.

"He's the best horse I ever had anyway," said the dual-purpose trainer after the 3-1 joint-favourite's success.

"He did a piece of work up Charlie Swan's last Tuesday. I've seen a lot of horses go up that gallop, but I've never seen one come up as quickly and as powerful as him."

Hogan added: "He's exciting and the kid on his back is exciting as well. He was in the deep end today and it didn't phase him one bit."

Sheridan, who also landed last year's Tote Irish Cesarewitch on Willie Mullins' Royal Illusion, added: "It's great that he's proving on the track what he's showing us at home. It's unbelievable and I'm very grateful to get the opportunity to ride him."

Foley and Harrington make rapid start to belated season

Shane Foley and Jessica Harrington couldn't have asked for a better start to the belated Flat season at Naas, with the rider bagging a memorable four-timer and the trainer securing a treble.

A brilliant afternoon for the pair was highlighted by 22-1 shot Punita Arora's smart success in the Listed Kuroshio At Compas Stallions Committed Stakes, with a Commonwealth Cup bid potentially next for the classy three-year-old.

Kate Harrington, representing her mother, said the Alpha Racing-owned daughter of Sepoy had previously had some trouble with the stalls before Monday's prize.

Punita Arora (left, Shane Foley) captures the Listed Committed Stakes from Alligator AlleyCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"Shane always said he thought it'd really play into her hands the fact that they'd go hard because she loves following," she said.

"We'll see what the owners want to do, but the Commonwealth Cup could be an option next week. We've always held her in high regard."

The same combination enjoyed further success with exciting juvenile Lucky Vega for owner Zhang Yuesheng before claiming the concluding contest with Masteroffoxhounds, an ex-Aidan O'Brien-trained three-year-old who had been bought to run in China but had his journey cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The second victory in Foley's four-timer came for up-and-coming trainer Leanne Breen aboard 18-1 chance Parkers Hill.

More Beautiful bolts up on debut for O'Brien and Heffernan

Exciting juvenile More Beautiful created a huge impression in the opening contest on the card, and was introduced as the 7-2 favourite for the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot after a superb three-and-a-half length victory.

Aidan O'Brien wasn't on hand to welcome in the first winner since Irish racing's return from shutdown, but winning rider Seamie Heffernan was impressed by the performance.

He said: "She's a War Front filly with a lot of ability. She couldn't have won any easier. I liked what I felt today."

The winners at Naas

2.55 More Beautiful (11-4F)
3.30 Lucky Vega (9-2)
4.00 Nordic Passage (14-1)
4.30 Parkers Hill (18-1)
5.05 Punita Arora (22-1)
5.35 Sceptical (3-1JF)
6.05 Elfin Queen (13-8F)
6.35 Masteroffoxhounds (9-2)

Monday's results, replays and analysis

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