Connections are pleased with the way Grand National hero Many Clouds is shaping up and may now send him to Leopardstown.
The nine-year-old claimed the world's greatest steeplechase in 2015 and was also in contention in this year's Grand National renewal before hitting a fence on the second circuit to finish 16th.
It was a disappointing result for the son of Cloudings, who was back on Merseyside earlier this month.
He beat four rivals in the Listed Betfred Lotto ‘100k Cash Giveaway' Chase on December 3 and is in line for another tilt at National glory next April.
However, before then a run-out in the Lexus Chase on December 28 could well be on the cards.
“He's very well and we're seriously considering going for the Lexus,” said trainer Oliver Sherwood. “I think we'll definitely leave him in the race at the confirmation stage, so we'll see what else is still in and then make a decision.
“I'm absolutely delighted with him at home and he came out of the race at Aintree as well as he's come out of any race he's ever run in.
“We'll see what else is confirmed for the Lexus, but we're training him as if he's going to run.”
