Racing: Mouse Morris has revealed that Cheltenham Gold Cup winner War Of Attrition will bypass a clash with Kauto Star in the King George VI Chase and instead be aimed at the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown.
After a narrow defeat by Beef Or Salmon on soft ground in the James Nicholson Wine Merchant Champion Chase, Morris had mentioned the King George as a possibility in search of better ground.
However, that option has now been ruled out and he will run in the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown (December 10), in which he finished fifth behind Hi Cloy last year, before running in the Lexus.
"He won't travel to Kempton at Christmas and he'll run in the John Durkan at Punchestown next month," said Morris. "If all is okay, he'll then go to Leopardstown for the Lexus.
"I put him in the King George as a back-up, but I'm not keen on travelling with him at this stage of the season - this year anyway - so we'll stay at home over Christmas," he told the Racing Post.
Kauto Star's win at the weekend has seen him catapulted to the head of the Gold Cup betting with War Of Attrition and Morris admits he was impressed with his performance at Haydock.
"He looked very good on Saturday, it must be said, and it takes the pressure off us for a little while!"