Dual Grade 2 winning hurdler Hidden Cyclone impressed on debut in the beginners chase at Leopardstown when beating Nearest The Pin by two lengths.
The six-year-old trained by Shark Hanlon jumped well throughout and took up the lead under Andrew McNamara going to two out before keeping up the gallop to fend off Nearest the Pin (12/1) who challenged him after the last.
The winner was easy to back from an opening show of 5/4 out to an SP of 7/4 as punters came for Edward O’Grady’s Shot From The Hip from 2/1 to 13/8 favourite. He never got into contention at the business end of the race in coming home fourth of the seven runners, over 23 lengths behind.
Afterwards Shark Hanlon commented: “He wasn’t 100% and will improve a good bit. His jumping was good but Andrew said it would have to improve to move up to graded class.
“He idled halfway up the straight and met the last wrong. There’s a winners of one at Fairyhouse at the end of January and he’ll go there.
“We haven’t made our minds up about Cheltenham. That was a fair race and he did it well but he’ll have to improve to be a Cheltenham horse.
“You’re always a bit afraid first time over fences. Cheltenham is a long way away and we’ll talk to the owners.
"He'll have three or four races this season." Celtic Folklore (7/1) ridden by Emmet Mullins for Willie Mullins fell at the third when leading.
Hidden Cyclone is now 12/1 for the RSA Chase at Cheltenham with Sean Graham. Boylesports have cut him to 16/1 from 201/ for the same race.
Michael Graham
