Racing:Mouse Morris has decided against letting War Of Attrition travel to Kempton for the King George VI Chase and he will instead line up in Sunday's Lexus Chase at Leopardstown.
The 2006 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero has enjoyed a successful return following a two-year absence, scoring on his first two starts before running a creditable third in the John Durkan at Punchestown.
Morris had been giving Kempton's Boxing Day feature serious consideration after walking the track last week but he has decided to chase another Grade One prize closer to home.
"We've decided we're going to stay at home," said the County Tipperary handler. "The ground is just soft at the moment rather than heavy and the forecast is good so we are taking our chance that is correct.
"Basically we are sticking to plan A and this is the race he went for the year he won the Gold Cup so hopefully we can follow that route again.
"It was six of one and half a dozen of the other and he has to beat them wherever he goes so we've decided to go to Leopardstown.
"He ran really well in ground he didn't like at Punchestown last time and I would say he probably needed that run.
"Obviously he was fit because he'd already had two runs but mentally he needed it as it was the first time since he came back that he was running against real quality opposition.
"He wasn't fully wound up but I would say he's on track now."