Hoof It, trained by Mick Easterby and part-owned by top golfer Lee Westwood, returns to action at Pontefract tomorrow and is fancied to show his rivals a clean pair of heels.

The strapping sprinter improved out of all recognition last season, winning four times and increasing his rating by 30lb.

His final start, at Doncaster in October, was a winning performance and one which left the impression Hoof It could be capable of bridging the gap into Pattern race company this term.

First things first, however, and Hoof It runs tomorrow in the £12,500 RIU Palace Meloneras Handicap over six furlongs. If he’s fit and ready to do himself justice on his reappearance, he should take plenty of beating under Kieren Fallon.

Fallon, who has a big following on this course, where he used to rule the roost in his days as number one jockey to Thirsk trainer Lynda Ramsden, can enjoy a lucrative afternoon.

He also rides Bestwecan for Mark Johnston in the Cornmarket Handicap and this Lingfield winner, who finished a respectable fourth at Beverley a fortnight ago, is napped to resume winning ways.

Fallon also teams up with an interesting looking newcomer in Ippios, a well related three-year-old trained by Luca Cumani, who makes his debut in the Subscribe Online at racinguk.com Maiden Stakes.

David O’Meara’s Descaro, a winner here at the opening meeting two weeks ago, should go well in his repeat bid in the Pontefract Marathon Handicap, while Richard Fahey has prospects of book-ending the meeting with winners.

The Malton trainer saddles the speedily-bred Ebony Clarets, the mount of Paul Hanagan, in the opening Irish Night Out On Friday Evening 27th May Maiden Fillies’ Stakes, and also Gala Casino Star, a good third at Doncaster recently, in the NRC Day on Easter Wednesday Apprentice Handicap.

At Redcar today, Fahey aims to strike while the iron is hot with Dark Lane (4.20), who will have the assistance of Hanagan in the sprint handicap.

The gelding was a narrow winner at Windsor last Monday under Lee Topliss in an apprentices’ race and escapes a penalty for this quick follow up. He looks to have slightly tougher opposition, but he is clearly in good form.

David Nicholls has his horses in tremendous form – he had five winners on Saturday including two at Ripon and one at Doncaster – and the Sessay trainer can follow up with another couple of strikes.

The step up to a mile could work the oracle for Delaney’s Dream (3.50), who seemed to find the seven furlongs around Musselburgh last time on the sharp side, while stable-mate Dolly Parton (4.50) has the necessary credentials to go well in the seller. She carries the nap vote.

Racing selections

Redcar (today)

2.20 Van Go Go, 2.50 Queen Of The Hop, 3.20 Moral Issue, 3.50 Delaney’s Dream, 4.20 Dark Lane, 4.50 Dolly Parton (NAP), 5.25 Spavento.

Today’s other meetings

Exeter, Towcester and Windsor.

Pontefract (tomorrow)

2.10 Ebony Clarets, 2.40 Bestwecan (NAP), 3.10 Hoof It, 3.40 Descaro, 4.10 Ippios, 4.40 Private Joke, 5.10 Gala Casino Star.

Tomorrow’s other meetings

Bath, Fontwell, Southwell and Wolverhampton.