Ballabriggs could be prepared for a tilt at Aintree's Topham Chase following his heart-stopping victory in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham on Thursday.
The nine-year-old appeared to have the race in safe-keeping heading to the final fence, but began to empty up the punishing hill and passed the post just half a length ahead of Faasel.
Trainer Donald McCain admits his charge was tired after his exertions, but said he could tackle the Grand National fences next month if pleasing connections in the next couple of weeks.
McCain said: ‘It was no surprise to me that nearly 12st over three and a quarter miles round Cheltenham was stretching him a bit, but we got away with it.
‘He was quite tired afterwards but he's fine now.
‘We've thought about going for the Topham with him all year, really, and that would still be a possibility, but we'll see how he is over the next fortnight.’
The McCain name has become synonymous with the Grand National down the years thanks to the exploits of three-time winner Red Rum and Amberleigh House.
Ballabriggs could also end up in the world's most famous race.
‘If he's won over three and a quarter miles round Cheltenham you'd have to think he could be very competitive in a Grand National if he takes to the course,’ added the Cholmondeley handler.
‘It is a place the owner (Trevor Hemmings) likes to go with his horses and it's obviously a place we like to go with our horses.
‘Ballabriggs could definitely make up into an Aintree horse.’
