Connections of Hoof It, including golfer Lee Westwood, have indicated that the Mick Easterby-trained colt will return to action this weekend at either Newcastle or Newmarket as he bids to get his season back on track.
The speedy five year old has been seen out only once this year when running a slightly disappointing fifth over York's six furlongs in May, after which the colt missed an appearance at Royal Ascot due to a dirty scope, but it is still anticipated he may contest the big Group Ones over the summer.
Easterby's assistant, son David, indicated that it was only a minor setback and Hoof It is almost ready to go again: We are entering him at Newcastle and at Newmarket but we are uncertain where we are going to run because of the trip, ground etc."
"The only thing we agreed on at the start of the season was not to run him on extremes of going because it could set him back for other races. Unless they dry up we may not play."
An impressive winner of the Steward's Cup at Goodwood under top weight, Hoof It subsequently ran well in defeat in Group One company in the Nunthorpe at York and the Sprint Cup at Haydock last year.
Hoof It is one of 57 still entered in the midsummer sprint championship, the July Cup at Newmarket, for which Bated Breath is curently 9-2 favourite.