Nationals choice for Lucinda Russell

Runner-up in the Welsh National on his previous start, the grey could now go for either the Midlands National at Uttoxeter, the Irish National at Fairyhouse or the Scottish National at Ayr.

"It was a fantastic run on Saturday. He's absolutely fine, he only lost a couple of kilos during the race and he's been out in the field. He's in great form," said the Kinross trainer. "Geoff (Brown, owner) is very keen to run him in the Scottish National. We will have to see if the ground is soft enough for him. We'll also have a look at the Midlands National and maybe the Irish. We've got plenty of time to think about it."

Meanwhile, Arctic conditions have returned with a vengeance to play havoc with the racing programme.

There was no racing in Britain or Ireland on Sunday, and today has already been hit with the loss of Market Rasen's jumps fixture due to frost and snow.

Although a slight thaw late yesterday morning offered a degree of optimism at the Lincolnshire venue, the situation was considered untenable following a mid-afternoon inspection. Today's other National Hunt card at Carlisle was needing to survive an 8am inspection.

Clerk of the course Andrew Tulloch said: "If the forecast is right we should be OK, but it all depends how cold it gets."

Officials at Wolverhampton were also holding an inspection at 8am ahead of their afternoon meeting.

Though the Dunstall Park all-weather track was clear of snow yesterday, there was a risk of light snow showers.

No problems were envisaged at Tuesday's extra meeting scheduled for Lingfield.

However, that day's jumps card at Southwell is under threat following four inches of snow on Sunday that forced the abandonment of yesterday's all-weather fixture. Clerk of the course Roderick Duncan said: "The roads were treacherous and people were struggling to get to the track so it was a decision on safety grounds."

No frost problems are reported tomorrow at Taunton, where the going is soft – though more rain is forecast.