RACING:MAKING EXCUSES for beaten horses is usually an expensive past-time, but Saludos can prove an exception to the rule when he lines up in tomorrow's main support event at Leopardstown.

Jessica Harrington’s horse is one of seven in the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase and will be very much on a retrieval mission after throwing away a similar Grade One opportunity here three weeks ago.

Saludos was still in front, and Robbie Power had yet to ask for maximum effort, when the horse tipped up at the last, allowing Realt Dubh to go on to land the valuable prize.

The runner-up was Noble Prince, but even as he and Realt Dubh fought out the finish, the eye was taken by Power’s obvious frustration as he lay on the ground after the fall.

Harrington admitted later she felt Saludos had had loads left in the locker and it wasn’t even a very bad mistake that caught him out.

Tomorrow’s race also includes a Grade Two winner in Mr Cracker, and Flat Out, a horse Willie Mullins clearly thinks a lot of.

“He won nicely on his first start over fences,” the trainer said. “This is a step up for him and will tell us more about where he’s going. It is coming a bit soon after his first race, but he is a horse I think a good bit about. It’s a hot race and our horse will have to improve his jumping, but I’m hoping he will.”

The step up to two-and-a-half miles for the Grade Two novice hurdle should be ideal for Hidden Cyclone, who was Grade One-placed over the minimum trip here at Christmas behind First Lieutenant and Zaidpour.

Trainer John “Shark” Hanlon expects more from his previously unbeaten six-year-old at this longer trip, and Hidden Cyclone looks like being hard to beat.

Si C’etait Vrai was a faller on his last start in the Slaney Hurdle, but he gets 6lb from Hidden Cyclone and the form of his Naas success over The Bull Hayes looks pretty good now. The Gigginstown runner could be a touch of value.

Questions Answered won a valuable handicap at Limerick over Christmas, and the way he rallied that day indicates a 7lb penalty may not be enough to stop him in tomorrow’s handicap chase.

The point-to-point winner Shrapnel has Robbie McNamara on his back in the bumper.

NO WORRIES AT LEOPARDSTOWN

LEOPARDSTOWN’S authorities don’t foresee any frost problems threatening tomorrow’s valuable Irish Champion Hurdle card.

The ground was clear of frost at the track yesterday afternoon and day-time temperatures are expected to rise over the weekend.

“We look to be in good nick and if the forecast is right

there shouldn’t be any concern,” said manager Tom Burke yesterday.

“There is supposed to be a slight frost on Saturday night and temperatures on Sunday are due to rise to six or seven degrees.

“Obviously we will continue to monitor things, but at the moment we are very optimistic and there is no inspection planned,” he added.