Zipping will be aimed at the $2.25 million BMW after showing encouraging signs of recovery since injuring his off-hind leg last week.

The nine-year-old racing veteran was forced to pull out of the Australian Cup last Saturday and was facing the prospect of never racing again after he kicked out in his box at Macedon Lodges Stables and severely bruised his leg.

Zipping’s trainer, Lloyd Williams, is optimistic about his gelding’s recovery.

“I was pleased with him this morning,” Williams said.

“He had a soft gallop and we’ll wait and see how he is.”

While being aimed at the BMW, we may be seeing Zipping back in his racing gear sooner than expected, with the Danehill gelding nominated for this Saturday’s Group 1 Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill.

“He’s entered this week just in case the bruising (in his off-hind leg) which kept him out of the Australian Cup subsides in time,” Williams said.

“I’d say there’s only a 30 per cent chance he’ll run this week (in the Ranvet Stakes).”

If Zipping does not race this weekend, chances are he will go directly to the BMW on Golden Slipper Day on April 2, 2011.

“He’s certainly very fit,” Williams said.

“There’s a chance he could go straight into the BMW.”

All will become clear later in the week when a veterinary examination will determine the severity of the injury.

“I love the horse and won’t be doing anything with him unless he’s happy in himself,” Lloyd Williams said.