Champs squares up to Cyclone Sir Des Champs and Hidden Cyclone lock horns in what promises to be an informative Boylesports.com Bet On Your Mobile Novice Chase at Leopardstown tomorrow. Sir Des Champs has yet to taste defeat since joining champion trainer Willie Mullins, landing the conditional jockeys' hurdle race at last season's Cheltenham Festival, and is two from two over fences. Mullins had been considering a crack at Sunday's Arkle Novice Chase at Leopardstown, but has decided to go for the Grade 2 event instead. "We're happy enough to go for this and just step him up in grade gradually," said the County Carlow handler. "Charles Byrnes' horse (Fists Of Fury) sets the standard on ratings and Hidden Cyclone is unbeaten over fences, so it's a tidy little race. "He's won over two miles, five (furlongs), so I'd imagine he'll be running in one of the staying novice chases at Cheltenham." Hidden Cyclone impressed on his fencing introduction at Leopardstown over Christmas and although he will not be heading to Cheltenham, trainer Shark Hanlon feels there is plenty to look forward to for the remainder of the campaign. The trainer also saddles outside De' Oro as he is fearful of a lack of pace. "We run the other horse because I don't want a walk of a race. With a good horse like Hidden Cyclone, you don't want them to go too slow," said Hanlon. "It's a good race but my fellow is in good form and I couldn't have him any better I don't think. I think he's improved a lot since his last run and he's been schooling well. With a bit of luck, he's the one they all have to beat. "He won't be going to Cheltenham this year. He's still a bit of a baby and I'm a little bit afraid of the ground. He'll handle good ground, but I'd rather leave him for another year until I run him on it. "The plan is for him to run in the Grade 1 back at Leopardstown in a couple of weeks (Dr PJ Moriarty Novice Chase) and then maybe the Powers Gold Cup in Fairyhouse." Donnas Palm and Fists Of Fury complete the line-up.
