Lexus Mission For Vanquished Play

Charlie Hall runner-up State Of Play is to be aimed at the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on December 28.

Last seasons Hennessy Gold Cup winner found the task of giving 6lb to Nigel Twiston-Davies' Ollie Magern just too much and he went down by a length and three-quarters.

'He's better coming out of the Charlie Hall than he was coming out of the Hennessy last year,' said trainer Evan Williams.

'Maybe because he's a little bit older, stronger and perhaps hardened at this level a little bit now.

'I was just delighted with his run. Great credit to Nigel and his team, we were beaten by a better horse on the day giving him 6lb.

'We'll look forward to Christmas now, we'll probably go to Ireland for the Lexus.

'I was devastated he got beat. I really couldn't speak as I had him as good as I could get him and I thought he was better than last year. I have to admit I did go there thinking he had a great chance.

'Ollie Magern is a great horse though and great credit to Nigel and Paddy (Brennan) but I was still disappointed.

'He's come out of the race well and he's run a very sound race. AP (McCoy) said he always thought he was going to get him in the straight but Ollie is a tough cookie and we just couldn't get there.

'I would love to go to Ireland as I don't think Kempton is the right sort of track.

'I'm not going to rush him back to take on Kauto Star and the others at Haydock in the Betfair Chase so I'd like to aim towards the Lexus and see how the rest of the season pans out from there,' Williams told Racing UK.

(C) PA Sport