Coral Welsh National winner Edmond could return to action next week, it emerged today.
"He's been fine since Chepstow," the gelding's trainer Henry Daly said. "He's entered in the race at Uttoxeter (Singer & Friedlander National Trial) on Saturday and he'll be put in the Agfa Chase at Sandown the same afternoon as well.
"We'll see how he goes this week and what the ground is like before deciding what to do."
The progressive eight-year-old trounced a good field on heavy going at Chepstow at the end of December with a powerful front-running display to earn a best-priced 20-1 quote from the Tote for the Martell Grand National.
His owner is reportedly less than keen on the Grand National and looking ahead to Aintree Daly added: "We'll see what the handicapper does."
Daly missed the opportunity of landing the race named in the honour of his former boss, the late Tim Forster, at Wincanton today following the meeting's abandonment due to frost.
He had Grand National entry Step On Eyre in the Tim Forster Cup and is hoping to run Anne Duchess Of Westminster's 10-year-old in the near future.
"The horse is well and I would like to run him somewhere next week," Daly said.
Step On Eyre, successful three times last season, showed signs of a return to form with a fine second to Bobby Grant at Haydock Park last time.
"He'll be entered for the De Vere Gold Cup back at Haydock (February 26)," Daly said. "Bobby Grant certainly didn't let the form down (finished second in the Peter Marsh Chase) last time."
