Cyclone needs rain

Hidden Cyclone: Would prefer some rain at Leopardstown

John Hanlon is keeping his fingers crossed that there is some rain ahead of Hidden Cyclone's debut over fences at Leopardstown on Thursday.

The six-year-old won five times from six starts over hurdles, suffering his only defeat when narrowly beaten into third in a Grade One event at this meeting 12 months ago.

He went on to score twice at Grade Two level and signed off with an impressive display at Navan in March.

He makes his first start since in Thursday's Ballymaloe Country Relish Beginners Chase.

Drop Of Rain

"It's great to get him started over fences. My only worry is the ground and I would definitely like a drop of rain," said Hanlon.

"It's been very windy at Leopardstown and the course dries out very quick. The chase course is a bit quicker than the hurdle track and, ideally, our lad would like the ground a bit softer than it is at the moment.

"He's been jumping well and it was always the plan to start off his season at Christmas. He's still a big baby and I wanted to give him plenty of time, so we decided not to rush him.

"I'm very happy with him at home and everything has gone well."

Hidden Cyclone will face a good test on his return, with Edward O'Grady saddling the talented Shot From The Hip.

Celtic Folklore and Nearest The Pin are other interesting contenders.