Court Minstrel could run in the County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival if he goes to the big meeting in March.
The Evan Williams-trained six-year-old threatened to get involved at the finish in the Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown on Saturday before the testing ground took its toll up the hill and he was just run out of third place.
Williams said: "I've looked at the tape again and he ran with credit. He came to win the race, but he just didn't pick up in the ground. He looked like playing a part at one stage, which is what we needed to see - we didn't want him beaten half a mile out."
He added: "If he goes to Cheltenham he won't run before then, he's had his three runs over hurdles now.
"It will be interesting to see what the ground is like over the next few weeks, though. I think he'll be better suited to handicaps, just the way they are run with a fast pace.
"It might just be a year too soon for him to run him in a handicap at the Festival this year but if he did go to Cheltenham it could be for something like the County Hurdle rather than a novice.
"One day I think he's got a big handicap in him."
13 May 2013
Fabre confirms Ocovango for EpsomAspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout
12 May 2013
No hurry for Jammy plansGuest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning
11 May 2013
Felix foot-perfect on fencing debutCavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory
10 May 2013
Telescope focus is on DanteBlinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests