HOOF IT let down his supporters at York last time but he should be given a chance to redeem himself in the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock.
The four-year-old was pitched in at the deep end when supplemented for the Nunthorpe, making the leap to Group One level from handicap company while dropping back to the minimum trip for the first time in nearly a year.
It possibly proved too much of a challenge as he took some time to get into his stride, which meant the probable gameplan went out of the window for Kieren Fallon.
Mick Easterby’s charge was far from disgraced in finishing a two-length sixth behind Margot Did on easy ground that was slightly against him, too.
Previously an easy winner of the Stewards’ Cup under top weight, Hoof It still looks an animal of real potential and it is far too early to dismiss his claims at the highest level.
He certainly has it all to do here to repay the faith of connections who have supplemented him once again, but with good ground on offer at Haydock and back to his optimum trip, Hoof It has everything in his favour.
Ile De Re is the choice in the Betfred Bundles Old Borough Cup.
Winner of the Shergar Cup Stayers on his penultimate start, Ian Williams’ five-year-old was a bit unlucky when fourth in a Listed event at Chester as he did not get a clear run.
Two quick races possibly did not suit Dark Promise when she suffered a shock defeat at Pontefract in July, but better is expected in the Betfred “Goals Galore” Superior Mile.
The four-year-old’s entry in the Sun Chariot may be a little hopeful, but this Listed event should be well within her compass.
Heeraat romped home by 11 lengths last time out and can make the transition to Group Three level in the betfred.com Sirenia Stakes at Kempton.
He did not beat much at Pontefract that day but could do little more than win, and he did so in a very stylish manner.
Bred to excel over sprint trips, the Dark Angel colt can score for William Haggas.
Modun patently failed to stay the Ebor trip so dropped back to a mile and a half for the Betfred September Stakes, he can regain the winning thread.
Halfsin has looked a thoroughly progressive individual so far and he can confirm that impression with victory in Ascot’s Ladbrokes Mobile Handicap.
He ran up a sequence of three wins, one in a maiden and two in handicap company, before switching to conditions level last timer.
He arguably put up a career-best for Marco Botti in finishing second there and a similar effort here should put him firmly in the mix.
Skilful lost his maiden tag in style at Lingfield in May and he can pick up the baton again in Thirsk’s “Dressed of Harrogate” Handicap.
Victorious over a mile on the all-weather, John Gosden’s runner should be able to handle the expected ease in the ground.
North Central was just denied at Catterick nearly two weeks ago but compensation awaits in the Betfair Bonus Scottish Racing Sprint Series Final Handicap at Musselburgh.
CHRIS WRIGHT'S NAP: Invincible Force (3.10pm Haydock).
