Last season's Arkle Trophy hero Sizing Europe had to make do with minor honours as China Rock stole the show in the Star "Best For Racing Coverage" Chase at Punchestown.
The former was taking a big step up in trip on this seasonal reappearance but could not land a blow as the Mouse Morris-trained China Rock (6-4) made much of the running under Ruby Walsh.
Morris said: "That was great, I don't think we'll be going for any more handicaps with him.
"The Charlie Hall (at Wetherby on October 30) and the Nicholson at Down Royal (JNwine.com Champion Chase, November 6) would be options for him now."
Sizing Europe's trainer Henry de Bromhead was not disheartened, adding: "I thought he ran very well. His jumping was a little bit rusty but that will improve.
"We'd like to know whether we're going two miles or three miles sooner rather than later, so maybe we'll have a look at the Down Royal race."
De Bromhead enjoyed better luck in the Buck House Novice Chase as Loosen My Load continued his rise through the ranks with a cosy victory.
The 1-4 favourite made much of the running under Andrew Lynch and although Darceys Dancer tried to reel him in, Loosen My Load was always doing enough to score by two and a half lengths.
"He jumped great and Andrew said he'll improve again as he took a little blow turning in," said De Bromhead.
"He'll go for the two-miler in Cheltenham in November or come back here on the same day.
"He'd be a horse that you'd follow good ground with so you'd imagine you'd get that at Cheltenham."
John 'Shark' Hanlon's star hurdler Luska Lad had little trouble in making a winning return to action in the Ryan's Cleaning Events Specialists Hurdle.
Hanlon said of his 4-6 shot: "That was great - a good performance from him.
"Andrew (McNamara) said he handles that ground but that he'd be better on softer.
"He'll go to Down Royal now in three weeks' time and to Fairyhouse for the Hatton's Grace Hurdle after that."
