Morris to discuss China plans with owners Mouse Morris feels China Rock ran too keen to do himself justice in Sunday's Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown. The nine-year-old was considered a leading contender for the Grade One feature following a confidence-boosting run over hurdles on his belated seasonal reappearance in January. But after travelling strongly towards the front end, he weakened in the straight and passed the post a well-beaten fifth. Connections must now decide whether it is worth heading back to the Cheltenham Festival next month for a second crack at the Gold Cup. "He ran a decent enough race until the second last, but he ran very keen and he was never going to get home after doing that," said Morris. "I suppose it was to be expected on his second run back after a break. I haven't looked at the time, but it seemed quite a slowly run race and they went no gallop, which wouldn't have suited him. "He jumped all right. He missed the second last but that didn't really make any difference and he has just got tired. "I'll have a chat with the owners in the next week and see where we go. He's in the Gold Cup, but we have to be realistic."
