Mountainous on Chepstow trail

Mountainous is set to warm up for another crack at the Coral Welsh Grand National at Chepstow on December 27 with a prep run three weeks earlier.

Trainer Kerry Lee will choose from races such as the Welsh National Trial at Chepstow and the Betfair London National at Sandown for the 11-year-old, ahead of his bid to win the Christmas marathon for a record third time.

"He's really well and I couldn't be happier with him," the Presteigne handler said.

"He will definitely run on December 3 at either Chepstow or Sandown. It's a tried and tested method for him.

"He'd had two more runs before that last season but the weather's not been right for him, but we've got fantastic gallops at home so I'm quite happy with his fitness.

"He's got very low mileage so I wouldn't be worried about his age."

Lee has six other entries in the Chepstow showpiece - Altiepix, Alfie Spinner, Bishops Road, Russe Blanc, Krackatoa King and Goodtoknow.

"It's early days at the moment, but it's certainly the target for Goodtoknow," Lee told At The Races.

"Bishops Road will go to the Hennessy or the Rehearsal. Heavy ground will be ideal for him.

"Fingers crossed they will get a drop of rain at Newbury as I'm keen on the Hennessy for him, but if it comes up softer at Newcastle he will go for the Rehearsal.

"The Welsh National is still an option for Russe Blanc and I've a couple lower down the weights which I doubt will get a run at this stage."