Wednesday 23 November 2016 16:36, UK
Baron Alco is likely to swerve an outing in the Racing Post Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown on Saturday week in favour of a shot at the Mitie Novices Chase at Ascot.
Trainer Gary Moore is contemplating making the Grade Two contest on December 16, better known as the Noel Novices' Chase, the next port of call for the five-year-old.
After finishing third over two miles on his first start over fences at Cheltenham in October, the four-time hurdle winner appeared to appreciate stepping up an additional three and a half furlongs when coming home in splendid isolation last time out at Plumpton.
Moore said: "In the back of my mind I always fancied going for the Henry VIII at Sandown, but after watching him run at Plumpton the other day that looks to be plenty sharp enough for him.
"Unless he sharpens up in his work I would say he would probably go to Ascot for the Noel or the other alternative is the Dipper at Cheltenham.
"It would be nice to think one day that he would get three miles, but we will stick to two and a half for the time being."
