Harry Fry believes racing on good ground at Kempton on Saturday was a shock to the system for Acting Lass.
The novice was sent off favourite for the £100,000 feature Batdaq Handicap Chase but could never get involved and trailed home in ninth place.
As the seven-year-old holds no Cheltenham Festival entries Fry will now look at dropping him back into novice company before making plans for next season
"Because the ground has been so soft all season it came as a bit of a shock to him to get on ground quite as quick as that," Fry told Racing UK.
"That was the quickest ground he's encountered and it was just too lively. I know he was stepping up in trip but he couldn't ever lay up or get into the race.
"He's a novice, he's done well this year and hopefully we'll be able to find him an opportunity on slow ground before this year is out."
Fry also had news of his smart chaser American, second to Definitly Red in the Cotswold Chase when last seen.
"I think that was his best performance last time," said Fry.
"The Ladbrokes Trophy didn't go to plan and it was a 50-50 call whether to even run at Cheltenham.
"For a long way it looked like he might actually win, lack of a recent run probably told but it was a relief to see him back to something like his best.
"He'll go to Kelso next Saturday (Premier Chase) and I think he might well clash with Bristol De Mai, as long as the meeting is on and ground conditions permitting.
"After that it will be the Irish or English National. He's in the Ultima Handicap at Cheltenham but I had to apologise to his owner for not putting him in the Gold Cup.
"There's a very outside chance we could supplement him the Saturday before if it is very wet."
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