Hoof It thwarted by setback

Hoof It: Under assessment

Hoof It remains under assessment at Mick Easterby's stable and is not likely to be seen in action until a breathing issue has been diagnosed.

It was assumed the five-year-old, who is owned in partnership by golfer Lee Westwood and his agent, Chubby Chandler, would make a return in Saturday's Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock, but he did not appear among the confirmed entries.

Hoof It won last year's Stewards' Cup and was a close third in the Haydock race but has not been the same force this term, despite a reasonably promising reappearance in the Duke of York Stakes.

He was a disappointing favourite when tried over seven furlongs on his most recent start at Newmarket in late June.

Speaking from America, Chandler said: "He's got a bit of a breathing problem and they are just trying to work out what it is.

"He's been making a few noises when they've galloped him at home so they are doing the prudent thing and not running him on Saturday.

"I've no idea where he'll go next."

• Future Flat Races. Click here to bet.