Hidden Cyclone may join Nearest The Pin at Cheltenham
John Hanlon will decide next week whether to aim Hidden Cyclone at the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
Last Updated: 28/02/14 11:27am
The County Carlow trainer will give the nine-year-old a gallop at Leopardstown after racing on Sunday and let the dust settle before making up his mind.
Hanlon stands by his decision to scratch Hidden Cyclone, who was second to Sire De Grugy at Ascot in January, from the Queen Mother Champion Chase and only leave him in the Ryanair despite the absence of Sprinter Sacre.
"I'm happy enough because I think the Ryanair will probably cut up at this stage," he told At The Races.
"If we do go I'd be happy enough and we'll see what happens next week. Our horse is in great form and I'd like to see the ground dry up a small bit for the two-mile-five. I think he'll be there or thereabouts.
"He's entitled to be there. His run in the Paddy Power (when third to Johns Spirit) over that trip was a very good run because he gave nearly a stone to the winner, the second and the fourth.
"We haven't fully decided whether we're going there or not. We'll talk about it during the week.
"He'll probably go to Leopardstown on Sunday after racing and we'll see after that."
One horse who will represent Hanlon at Cheltenham is Nearest The Pin, who is on course for the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase.
"I worked him in Punchestown the other day and he worked very well," said the trainer.
"He worked with a horse of Edward O'Grady's (Gallant Tipp) who was second in a Graded race at Thurles this week and he was very good with him, so we are quite keen on his chance in the Grand Annual.
"Tony Martin used to train him and said he was better on good ground. He needs 15 to come out and that will probably happen."