Cyclone in savage form Shark Hanlon is in bullish mood ahead of Hidden Cyclone’s next outing in the Grade 2 Boylesports.com Novice Chase at Leopardstown on Saturday. The seven-year-old gelding impressed on his chasing debut at the Foxrock venue after Christmas, and Hanlon reports him in rude health. “He schooled very well the other day and is working savage. He’s in great form,” said Hanlon at Gowran Park this afternoon. The son of Stowaway has now won seven of his eight career starts including twice at Grade 2 level over hurdles last season. The Bagenalstown trainer is also looking forward to the reappearance of Alfa Beat in the two and a half miles Tote Trifecta Rollover Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday. The eight-year-old grey gelding landed the Guinness Kerry National when trained by Charles Byrnes in 2010, and repeated the feat for Hanlon 12 months later off an 11lb higher mark. “He’s very well treated over hurdles and I’d be hopeful of a big run. The John Smith’s Grand National is the long term objective,” said Hanlon.
