Hidden Cyclone jumps the last at Naas© Photo Healy Racing
Hidden Cyclone did his best to throw away the Grade 3 chase at Naas by hanging violently left after the last, but the classy seven-year-old was driven out to score by a length and a half by Andrew McNamara.
The win was a welcome tonic for trainer Shark Hanlon who came in from the cold after 107 runs from his yard without success.
Hidden Cyclone raced in third in the two-mile contest before moving into the lead at the second last. He was unable to shake off Foildubh (7/4f) who led throughout and plotted a straight course from the last to nearly deprive the 2/1 shot.
Shark Hanlon commented: “He hadn’t run for 9 months so he wouldn’t have been spot on for this. He’ll improve in his fitness and jumping.
“He’s going to be a three mile chaser and today was only two miles. Andrew said he was a bit leery after the last but he had plenty in the tank.
“He would want to improve his jumping, but he won’t run at two miles. He’ll be up to two and a half. There’s a nice race for him at Gowran in a month’s time.
“He’s won twice at Leopardstown so there’s no reason we wouldn’t go for the Lexus.”
Andrew McNamara said: “I wasn’t sure how much I had under me, but I gave him a squeeze before the second last and he responded well. I don’t think he got tired after the last. I think he was just in front a bit soon. I think he’s a Grade 1 horse and I hope he turns out to be.”
This was Hidden Cyclone’s eighth win in 10 starts. He has only been beaten by top horses First Lieutenant and Sir Des Champs.
(Additional reporting by Gary Carson)
