Trainer Shark Hanlon hopes Hidden Cyclone has the necessary improvement in him to take his game to the next level in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on December 27.

Not beaten far by Cheltenham Gold Cup ante-post favourite Sir Des Champs at Leopardstown in January, the seven-year-old missed the end of last season with injury but appears to have returned better than ever.

After making a winning return at Naas a month ago, he followed up with a comprehensive defeat of the talented Call The Police at Navan on Sunday and is now set for a step up to Grade One level.

Hanlon said: "He's come out of the race super, he's as fresh as a daisy and all going well he'll go for the Lexus. We're delighted with him at the moment. He's had his two runs back, he's done everything right and his jumping has come right.

"He is still a long way behind a horse like Flemenstar on the ratings, but we're hoping he's still improving. Probably his best performance so far was over two miles and seven (furlongs) in Navan, so three miles won't be a bother to him.

"We'll look forward to the Lexus and we'll certainly know a lot more after that."

Meanwhile, Hanlon is on the lookout for a prospective new owner for impressive point-to-point winner Rare Legend.

The five-year-old won under JT McNamara at Boulta over the weekend and although he has an imminent engagement with the sales ring, Hanlon is desperate for him to stay in the yard for his career under Rules.

Hanlon said: "He is a very nice horse and won his point-to-point on Sunday at Boulta, which is one of the best point tracks in Ireland. He is by Stowaway and I think he's going to be very smart.

"He'll be ready to run under Rules before too long, but he is entered in the sales on Friday. Hopefully someone buys him and keeps him with me as he is a horse I like an awful lot."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests