Cyclone sidesteps Champion option

Hidden Cyclone has been taken out of the BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival with the Ryanair Chase left as his sole option if he runs at the meeting.

As low as 12-1 for the two-mile championship after finishing second to Benefficient and Sire De Grugy in his last two runs over the trip, his trainer Shark Hanlon feels a step back up in distance would see him in a better light, although no definite decision has been made on his participation.

"We just felt that (as) he ran such a good race in the Paddy Power Gold Cup over that trip and with a big weight, he might have more of a chance in the Ryanair," said Hanlon.

"On better ground I think he'd stay the trip that bit better.

"He's not guaranteed to go and nothing is set in stone, but if we went to the Ryanair there would be no Sprinter Sacre or Sire De Grugy.

"I think he's better going left-handed, it certainly helps his jumping.

"Benefficient looks like being favourite for the Ryanair if Cue Card runs in the Gold Cup, and I think we could beat Benefficient on better ground.

"There's no big decision yet, though."

Likely Arkle contender Dodging Bullets and Twinlight were also taken out of the Champion Chase. There were just four forfeits in the Ryanair, with Willie Mullins' Marito the most notable omission.