Hidden Cyclone?

Hidden Cyclone is set to commence his eagerly-awaited novice chase campaign at Leopardstown's big meeting over Christmas.

John Hanlon's six-year-old developed into one of the best novice hurdlers in Ireland last season, winning two Grade Two events and a decent race at Naas.

Hanlon decided to miss Cheltenham and Punchestown with the horse's long-term interests at heart, as the trainer has always viewed him as a chasing prospect.

"We'll start him off at Leopardstown over Christmas," said Hanlon.

"He's in savage form, he's really well, he's doing everything right and seems to be a lot stronger than he was last season.

"I'm very happy and the plan is Leopardstown.

"We'll start him off in a beginners' (chase) and work our way up from there. We're very happy with the way he's coming along.

"He's schooled well and everything is going to plan."

Running today at Leopardstown

Impressed today imo over a trip short of ideal

Not really sure what he beat today, but he did jump well and had plenty left at the end on probably the quickest ground he has ran on.

If Grands Crus doesn't line up for the RSA it is very open.

Reckon he may stay in Ireland this year.

Matt Chapman got way too excited about this performance today imo. The second fav, Shot From the Hip, jumped like a drunke hill billy. It was a good performance, for sure, but it was hardly Last Instalment/Grand Crus.

Shark isn't too fond of travelling them across the water though, is he?

The RSA would shape up to be a strong but competitive renewal if Grands Cru went for the Gold Cup.