Mouse Morris expects Alpha Des Obeaux to raise his game when he encounters better ground in the spring after filling the runner-up spot for the sixth time in eight starts at Leopardstown.
The six-year-old stepped back up to three miles in the Christmas Hurdle and had to make do with minor honours once more as fellow Gigginstown-owned runner Prince Of Scars caused an upset.
Morris said: "He ran well. He was fine until your man (Snow Falcon) fell and after that he just ran very green.
"He doesn't have many races under his belt, and that showed when he was left in front.
"We'll give him another run before the spring in something like the Galmoy Hurdle in Gowran or the Boyne Hurdle in Navan.
"You'd be hoping he'll be in the mix somewhere when he gets on better ground.
"There's the World Hurdle at Cheltenham and Liverpool (Aintree) after that, so we'll see."
Stablemate Rule The World also finished second over the Christmas period, when beaten nine lengths by the impressive No More Heroes in the Neville Hotels Novice Chase.
Rule The World has filled the runner-up berth seven times over fences, and could now drop in class as he seeks a first victory over larger obstacles.
"I wasn't disappointed one bit with him," said Morris.
"He was beaten by a proper horse on the day.
"I'd say he (Rule The World) is the best maiden (chaser) in the country and we might just try and win a (lesser) race with him now to put a smile on his face."