Seeyouatmidnight confirmed his well-being ahead of a crack at either the Irish or Scottish Grand National with a highly-encouraging run over hurdles at Kelso on Saturday.
The nine-year-old stayed on well for second place under a welter burden behind Big River in the Edinburgh Gin Handicap Hurdle over three and a quarter miles on his first start since he was pulled up in the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November.
Trainer Sandy Thomson was delighted with the performance and will now prepare his stable star for either the BoyleSports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday (April 17) or the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr the following Saturday, in which he was third last spring.
"He's grand. I was absolutely delighted," said the Berwickshire handler.
"You are always worried about progressive novices and we were giving the winner 24lb. It was as good a run as I'd hoped for.
"Obviously there's the Irish National and the Scottish National. I imagine we'd be more likely to go to the Scottish National but we'll just wait until the weights come out and see.
"Ground may be a consideration. He has handled the softer ground and if it dries, Ayr could come up quite quick."
