Tuesday 19 April 2016 11:17, UK
Diamond King is likely to miss the bet365 Select Hurdle at Sandown on Saturday and wait for a Grade One race at Punchestown.
Trainer Gordon Elliott is leaning towards the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers' Hurdle on April 28 for his Coral Cup winner.
That race is likely to be the eight-year-old's last over hurdles as Elliott is eager to tackle fences next season.
"He's a good horse and he's going to be very good when he goes jumping fences next year," the County Meath handler told At The Races.
"He's a Cheltenham winner now so he doesn't owe us too much more this season, chasing is going to be his game, but we're a bit in no man's land at the moment.
"We're too high for a handicap and if we're good enough for Grade One at this stage of the season over hurdles, I'm not sure.
"He's in the Listed race at Sandown on Saturday. It looks like it's going to be a hot race. He's in the Stayers and the Champion at Punchestown, so at the moment I'm edging a little bit more towards Punchestown.
"I have to talk to the owner but I'd say it could be the Stayers Hurdle.
"He's going to be a horse for next season. I'm really looking forward to him going chasing."
