Cyclone ready to strike on return to fences

6.30 Punchestown
Bet In-Play With The Ladbrokes App Chase | 5yo+ | 2m5f | ATR

Hidden Cyclone, Shark Hanlon’s versatile campaigner, reverts to fences for the first time since December 2015 at Punchestown. The popular gelding will be seeking career win number 18 and a seventh chase victory.

The 12-year-old was last seen over fences when finishing third in the Grade 1 Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown’s 2015 Christmas meeting, and speaking yesterday, Hanlon said of his stable star: “The old boy is in super form. He’s been schooling well. Danny [Mullins] was delighted with him when he schooled him a few days ago.

“The conditions of the race suit him well, so we’re looking forward to it.”

Hanlon added: “Galway is the plan and how he gets on tomorrow should tell us more about the options he’ll have at the festival.

“Obviously the Galway Hurdle will have to be considered again after his great run when second in the race last year. There’s also the Galway Plate, depending on how he fares tomorrow, and a few options on the Flat, including the big amateur riders handicap.”

Hidden Cyclone’s rivals include Sadler’s Risk, whose three wins over fences include a success over 3m1f at today’s course in October. His trainer Henry de Bromhead said yesterday: “He seems in good form. He’s won at the course and ran well in the same race a year ago when finishing second.”

Gordon Elliott, who is represented by Diamond King and Stone Hard, said: “Diamond King was disappointing last time when pulled up over the course and distance. We couldn’t find a reason to explain it but he seems in good form and the good ground will suit.

"Stone Hard looks to be up against it on official ratings but he seems fine and we’re just hoping he goes well.”

Ruby Walsh teams up with Jessica Harrington’s dual chase winner Sandymount Duke for the first time, while the John Ryan-trained Draycott Place completes the line-up.