FALLON HAS HIGH HOPES FOR HOOF

Kieren Fallon believes Hoof It is "something special" as he bids to make the step up from top drawer handicapper to Group One-winning sprinter in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York on Friday.

Trained not too far away from the Knavesmire by Mick Easterby, the four-year-old has made giant strides during his relatively short career, notably striking three times at York, and adding further colour to the gelding's story is the fact that he is part-owned by golfing pro Lee Westwood and his agent Andrew 'Chubby' Chandler.

Fallon said: "He has got a great turn of foot - great speed. The only problem I've had in the last three or four races that I've won on him was trying to find something to give us a lead. I couldn't believe how much improvement that there was from York to Goodwood."

He added: "The only blip in his copybook was that race at Royal Ascot when he wasn't himself. He was lifeless that day for some reason."

Hoof It has to give weight to the fillies in the race and almost two stone to David Wachman's Molecomb Stakes-winning juvenile Requinto. Two-year-olds have been successful in this five-furlong speed test in the past and Fallon acknowledges that for most horses such a hefty concession of weight would be a difficult task.

"It is a lot of weight to have to give for most sprinters, but the thing about Hoof It is he is so big, strong and powerful it might not make a difference to him," the former champion jockey added.

"I think he is exceptional. Most sprinters would struggle to give that type of weight away but he gives me the feel of something special."

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