John Ferguson admitted being disappointed by the defeat of New Year's Eve at Ludlow on Wednesday.
The five-year-old had to settle for second place behind Ptit Zig after also filling the same position behind River Maigue, a leading fancy for Cheltenham's William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle, at Kempton on his jumping debut over Christmas.
Ferguson is hoping last year's Weatherbys Champion Bumper runner-up will be seen in his true light when ground conditions improve.
"He's come out of it fine, but I have to say we were disappointed," said the Suffolk trainer.
"We'll make sure we run him on better ground and see if we get a better result.
"We know he's a talented horse. I'm sure Paul's (Nicholls) horse (Ptit Zig) is very good. We will just wait to see what he is like on better ground.
"There's a long way between now and Cheltenham so we will just have to wait and see."
New Year's Eve holds entries in the Supreme and Neptune Management Investment Novices' Hurdles at Cheltenham.
20 June 2013
Beauty Parlour bows outHawkwood takes Hardwicke chance
Rock tops Diamond contenders
Opportunity knocks for Green Door
Pretending has to be real stayer
Stack hopes are alive and kicking
Rock ready to roll
Estimate takes Gold test
Happy ending for Annecdote
Doyle hits treble top on Rizeena
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Kazeem crowned Prince of Ascot
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19 June 2013
Godolphin swoop for LibertarianToronado pointed towards Goodwood
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Perfect Ten in Jersey
Plenty of rain needed for Approval
Banoffee pencilled in for Haydock
Classic rematch in Coronation
Guest has excellent chance
Brittain sweet on Rizeena
Team O'Brien hope for perfect Ten
Chigun aiming for Cambridge glory
Camelot bids for redemption
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Ballydoyle in command in Coventry
Dawn delivers in thriller
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18 June 2013
Stevens is king of the CastleAl Thani snaps up Sandiva
Minute's silence remembers Cecil
Duntle on Cambridge duty
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Passage heads Gold field
Deegan considers Soprano options
Toro out for Palace glory
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Hawkwood supplemented for Hardwicke
Flotilla To Drop Back In Trip
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De Kock hoping to make history
War ready for Royal Ascot battle
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17 June 2013
Magician set for Palace showdownCat clings on for Carroll
Three more winners for Lady Cecil
Monaghan delivers on Midnight
Treve in stunning Diane win
Sapphire target for Trees
Beckett mulls Secret options
Nicholls has broken wrist