Tom Cooper believes a faster gallop would have suited Forpadydeplasterer better in the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase.
Tony McCoy allowed the Arkle winner to settle at the head of affairs with Twist Magic and Golden Silver but the pace was not as fast as it could have been.
Although delighted with second, Cooper believes a faster gallop could have made all the difference to the outcome.
"I'm very happy, but I suppose a bit sickened at the same time. He did have an interrupted preparation but that's got nothing to do with it as we were very happy with him beforehand," Cooper said.
"The only thing Tony (McCoy) and I feel is that he'd have preferred a stronger gallop early on as he's just been beaten by a quicker horse.
"He'll definitely go to Aintree or Punchestown now."
Ferdy Murphy, meanwhile, has confirmed Kalahari King will be examined on his return home to ensure there is nothing amiss following his third place finish.
"He landed on top of one of the fences and Graham (Lee) said he jumped a little bit right, which he has never done before," Murphy said.
"It's well documented that he has problems with his back and we'll have to take him home and check him over.
"If he's OK, I would think he'd go to Liverpool."