Kieren Fallon still has 'enormous faith' in Hoof It despite his defeat in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York last week.
The four-year-old sprinter was sent off the 11-4 favourite for the Group One contest on the back of a magnificent effort off top weight in the Stewards' Cup at Glorious Goodwood, but had to settle for sixth on the Knavesmire.
Fallon, who has ridden the Mick Easterby-trained horse on all five of his starts this season, says there were a couple of factors which hindered his mount's chance.
The jockey said in his Weekender column: "Hoof It's defeat was a big disappointment. I would accept the drop to 5f didn't help but the loose ground really scuppered his chances.
"I still have enormous faith in this horse and when he gets his ground, back over 6f, you will see that what I have been saying all these weeks is spot on."
Hoof It could return to handicap company on his next start at Doncaster or Ayr where he would likely carry top weight with most of the field out of the handicap.
Sky Bet rate him a 12-1 chance for the Ayr Gold Cup.
