Dalvey strikes for Sceptical team on eve of big day

Connections of Sceptical received a welcome confidence booster on the eve of Royal Ascot’s Diamond Jubilee Stakes when Dalvey landed division one of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Gowran Park.

Dalvey made a promising debut 11 days ago on the same Naas card that Sceptical took the Woodlands Stakes in impressive fashion, and the Dansili gelding showed the benefit of that initial experience here.

Trained by Denis Hogan for James McAuley, he justified late support from 12/1 into 9/1 by leading over a furlong out and keeping on well to score by two lengths.

Avarice came home well on the outer to take the runner-up spot with Ballinlough Gale a further length away in third.

Winning rider Joe Doyle said, “It’s nice to see him do that as we have been raving about this horse for the last couple of months.

“He ran well the first day. He learned loads from that and he’s gone out today and done it really nice. I’d say he’s a horse with quite a bright future.

“He got through that lovely and I’d say any ground would suit him. He’s a relentless galloper.

“He’s turned inside out in his homework since the last day and he’s still a big baby. There is plenty more to come.”