Shropshire border trainer Lee eyeing Irish test for Mountainous

The nine-year-old claimed a thrilling victory in the Chepstow mud at the end of December and turned out under a 7lb higher mark for last weekend's West Wales National at Ffos Las.

Paul Moloney's mount was not disgraced in finishing fifth under a big weight in desperate conditions, and while the Grand National at Aintree and the Scottish National at Ayr will also be considered this spring, Lee is currently favouring a trip to Ireland.

Lee, who is based at Byton, near Presteigne, said: "Going from carrying 10st at Chepstow to 11st 9lb at Ffos Las is a big difference, especially in very attritional ground. He ran a great race and came out of the race remarkably well. I think the weight probably just beat him in the end.

"He's entered in the Grand National Trial at Haydock (February 15), but that will certainly come too soon.

"He's in the English National, he could go for the Scottish National if the ground was soft enough and the other race that is under consideration is the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.

"I think Fairyhouse is pencilled in in fairly big letters and I think out of the three, that would probably be the favourite at this stage, provided conditions are suitable.

"He needs cut in the ground and if the ground isn't soft enough, he won't run anywhere. He's done his job for the season already and doesn't owe anybody anything."

Mountainous is partly owned by James and Jean Potter, from Leighton, near Welshpool.

Lee was delighted to see Grey Gold get off the mark for the season in a valuable handicap chase at Sandown last weekend.

The nine-year-old relished the ultra-testing ground and his future targets will depend on where he can get his favoured conditions.

"He's always been a very nice horse. He's a bit fragile, but very talented," said Lee.

"He jumped very well and I thought Sandown would suit him, but he did have heavy ground, which he really needs.

"It's job done with him as well in many ways and where he goes next will totally depend on the ground."

Somersby will head straight for the Betvictor Queen Mother Champion Chase after trainer Mick Channon decided to skip Saturday's Betfair Cash Out Chase at Newbury.

The 10-year-old unshipped Dominic Elsworth early on in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot won by Sire De Grugy, but he also picked up a knock when running loose.

Channon felt there was no point asking him to race on heavy ground this weekend and would rather head to the Festival with a fresh horse.

"He jumped a few hurdles, skinned himself and came back with a big knee but he's great now," said Channon. "He will go straight to Cheltenham now, and go for the big race, the Queen Mother. "

Kim Bailey, however, feels it could be worth trying to take advantage of the current heavy conditions with Harry Topper in the Denman Chase at Newbury.

"I have made a surprise entry for Harry Topper at Newbury on Saturday in the Denman Chase," said Bailey.

"Harry Topper has his ground and seems to have come out of his recent Cheltenham race in fine form, so I thought it was worthwhile looking at the race."