Ferdy Murphy was today eyeing Ireland's Ericsson Chase for Paris Pike after the gelding came out of his comeback race at Kelso with no ill-effects.
The nine-year-old finished second to Weaver George yesterday on his first appearance since winning the 2000 Scottish Grand National.
Murphy was delighted with the performance of his charge, who missed the whole of last season with a leg injury.
"You're always hoping that it won't be a problem and I was pleased to see him looking well this morning but it was never a bad injury," the Middleham trainer reported. "The main worry for me was how he would take it mentally".
Paris Pike is now set to enjoy a racecourse gallop in a fortnight's time before a final decision is made over his next target.
But Murphy is favouring a trip to his native Ireland for a tilt at the Ericsson Chase at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting.
"You can only do so much at home and although he was fairly fit for Kelso he's getting a bit used to the place so I would like to get him to a racecourse for a day out," he went on.
"Provided everything went well we'd then look at his next race and the Ericsson has got to be favourite - I just think it would be the right race for him."
Paris Pike is 20-1 co-favourite with Ladbrokes for next year's Martell Grand National.
PA