Sizing John will head straight for the Cheltenham Festival after being once again put in his place by the brilliant Douvan at Leopardstown on Boxing Day.
Henry de Bromhead's charge found the Willie Mullins-trained Douvan too strong on three occasions over hurdles, but after impressing on his first two starts over fences, connections hoped he might be able to turn the tables in the Racing Post Novice Chase.
However, Douvan barely came off the bridle in beating his old rival by 18 lengths and given he is already an odds-on favourite for the Arkle Trophy in March, De Bromhead could consider the longer JLT Novices' Chase for his charge.
He said: " Douvan did to him exactly what he did on heavy ground at Gowran last year. I haven't taught him (Sizing John) how to swim yet!
"In fairness to the horse, he jumped brilliant and showed real heart to keep going.
"Last year he won the Grade One at Leopardstown over Christmas and didn't run until Cheltenham, and we have decided to do that again.
"Obviously he has to be a lot better on better ground to give him a chance (of beating Douvan) and he will be entered for both the Arkle and the JLT."