HIDDEN CYCLONE and Bishopsfurze would be worthy contenders for Cheltenham’s Neptune Investments Novice Hurdle but instead they clash in this afternoon’s Grade Two feature at Thurles.

They are among the eight lining up for a competitive-looking two and a half mile Michael Purcell Novice Hurdle.

Bishopsfurze remains as low as 16-1 for the Neptune even though Willie Mullins has been reluctant to commit the horse to the festival.

John “Shark” Hanlon has already ruled Hidden Cyclone out of a trip to Cheltenham. The promising gelding’s sole defeat in five starts to date came over two miles behind First Lieutenant and Zaidpour at Christmas.

“He’s in super form and he’s really going the right way. Some people are mad saying I should be going to Cheltenham but we’re going to wait and go there next year,” Hanlon said yesterday.

Hidden Cyclone has to concede weight all round including a couple of pounds to Bishopsfurze whose productive season so far has indicated he is a horse of real ability but with a serious disregard sometimes for his hurdles. Against a high-class performer like Hidden Cyclone, any jumping errors by Bishopsfurze could be costly.

JP McManus’s Quiscover Fontaine goes in the conditions chase and this Grand National possibility can go one better than his first start of the campaign when runner-up to Psycho.

Celtic Folklore completed a famous five-timer for Willie Mullins at Punchestown a month ago in some style. The free-running six year old makes his jumping debut in the maiden hurdle and could be hard to catch.

Mozoltov can complete another good afternoon for Mullins in the bumper while testing ground conditions could suit Back Me Up better than Shirley Casper in the mares Beginners Chase. The other Beginners Chase may be a good opportunity for Gusda.