Mouse Morris is not sure if the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup is the best option for China Rock after his disappointing run in Sunday's Hennessy Gold Cup.
China Rock came in for a lot of support from punters for the Leopardstown Grade One and those who had lumped on would have been happy to see him travel towards the front of the field.
However, he weakened considerably in the straight and jockey Andrew Lynch could only bring him home in fifth.
Morris believes his charge was too keen early on and he admits the Gold Cup may not be a realistic target for the nine-year-old.
"He ran a decent enough race until the second last, but he ran very keen and he was never going to get home after doing that," said Morris.
"I suppose it was to be expected on his second run back after a break. I haven't looked at the time, but it seemed quite a slowly run race and they went no gallop, which wouldn't have suited him.
"He jumped all right. He missed the second last but that didn't really make any difference and he has just got tired.
"I'll have a chat with the owners in the next week and see where we go. He's in the Gold Cup, but we have to be realistic."
China Rock was pulled up when well beaten in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last March.