Darver Star © Photo Healy Racing
Gavin Cromwell has cited the heavy ground as the reason Darver Star under-performed at Punchestown recently.
The Champion Hurdle third impressed when successful on his debut over fences at the Co Kildare venue, but since could only manage third when sent off favourite in Grade 2 company.
"We were disappointed that he didn't travel better. He looked slow but you don't go from being a Champion Hurdle horse to being slow overnight so I think it has to be the ground," Cromwell said.
"He's always a nicer horse on better ground.
"We'll stick to the two miles route for the minute and hopefully there will be better ground at Leopardstown (at Christmas). The ground was very testing at Punchestown but he did jump well and went to the line well.
"We won't write him off yet!"
