Welsh National 2014: Mountainous bids for Chepstow repeat

Mountainous, the 2013 winner, will go into Saturday's Welsh Grand National at Chepstow in "great form", says assistant trainer Kerry Lee.

Mountainous beat Hawkes Point and crowd favourite Tidal Bay in a tight three-way finish to win last year's race.

Wales' biggest race has not been won by the defending champion since 1989.

"Mountainous is very well," said Lee, trainer Richard Lee's daughter. "He's in great form and we were very happy with his run in the Trial at Chepstow."

Bonanza Boy was the last horse to win the Welsh National in consecutive years, while Lee also trained 2011 winner Le Beau Bai.

Michael Scudamore is waiting to see if his brother Tom will be free to ride 2012 Welsh National winner Monbeg Dude in this year's race.

Tom Scudamore could be required to ride Amigo for his boss David Pipe and, if that is the case, his elder brother will be on the lookout for a replacement.

Paul Carberry was on board two years ago when he delivered Monbeg Dude with one of the rides of the season.

Paul Moloney was in the plate last time out when he finished a very credible fourth in the Hennessy, although he is likely to be required by Evan Williams for One In A Milan.

"We're waiting to hear back on a few things. We've been very lucky, we've had Paul Carberry and my brother ride him and then Paul Moloney in the Hennessy," Michael Scudamore said.

"So we're waiting to hear what David Pipe's plans are. He's got one entry but I'm not sure what his plans are yet."

Monbeg Dude finished seventh behind Pineau De Re in the Grand National at Aintree last season and another tilt could be likely.