Ben Pauling is considering switching Cyrius Moriviere back to a left-handed track following his disappointing effort in the Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown.
Although sent off the outsider of the quintet to tackle the Grade One prize earlier this month, the six-year-old was pulled up after two out having been prominent for much of the race.
While he believes the heavy ground may not have suited the recent Huntingdon winner, Pauling is of the opinion the gelding may be served better going the other way, given his tendency to hang left.
The Bourton-on-the-Water handler said: "I don't think he particularly liked the ground, but he hung a bit left. Nico de Boinville was not hard on him once the race had gone and when he wasn't going to be in the first four.
"He came out of the race fine, but I think we will go left-handed next time and am I sure you will see a different horse.
"We knew he was in at the deep end, but it was still a disappointing run. We will ease him in grade and probably find another novice for him next time out.
"He will make a lovely novice chaser next year and this year really is a stepping stone towards the next."
While Cyrius Moriviere is to have his sights lowered on his next start. stablemate Always Lion has run his last race of the campaign after Pauling revealed the six-year-old will not be seen again this season after meeting with a setback.
He said: "Unfortunately Always Lion is out for the rest of the season. He will be fine for next season.
"It's the sort of injury that he could be back in time for April but by the time he would be back the ground would have gone for him so we have given him a little holiday.
"It's a real shame and it's nothing serious, but we don't want to rush him back."