Trainer John Hanlon believes he could have a genuine 2013 Cheltenham Gold Cup contender on his hands in the shape of Hidden Cyclone. (credit: Carine06)
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Trainer John Hanlon believes he could have a genuine 2013 Cheltenham Gold Cup contender on his hands in the shape of Hidden Cyclone.
The trainer has described the six-year-old as the best horse he will ever train and the County Carlow handler is looking to the future with his stable star.
With five victories in six races over hurdles last season, Hidden Cyclone is now set for a season chasing and he will have three races before he takes his chance at the Cheltenham Festival.
"He ran seven times last year, won six and got beat once in Leopardstown by First Lieutenant, who went on to win at Cheltenham," Hanlon explained.
"He was such a baby last year so I didn't go near Cheltenham with him because of that.
"He's only just come back in now. The aim will probably be for Leopardstown at Christmas. I didn't want to have him in too early as Cheltenham is in the back of our minds this time for him in March.
"He's going chasing and will start off with a beginners race at Leopardstown over Christmas or one before that. He's a very exciting horse, probably the best I'll ever have. When you get a horse like him you have to try and mind him.
"Four runs will be the most he'll have this year. He'll go back out after March and I'd be hoping he'll be a Gold Cup horse the following year.
"When you have a good horse you have to make a plan."
