Mountainous will have at least one prep run before thoughts turn to defending his crown in the Coral Welsh National at Chepstow on December 27.

Tony McCoy’s ride in the Crabbie’s Grand National appears to be down to a potential two after the weights were announced for what looks an incredibly open renewal on April 5.

A total of 115 entries, the highest since 2009, have been attracted to the first £1m (€1.2m) Crabbie’s Grand National at Aintree on April 5.

Silviniaco Conti is virtually certain to go straight for the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup following his victory in the William Hill King George VI Chase.

It really is the calm before the storm for me this weekend.