Trainer Emma Lavelle is eyeing the Betfred Eider Chase next for Shotgun Paddy following his brave effort at Chepstow on Saturday.
The nine-year-old kept on tenaciously under the steadier of 11st 5lb in heavy ground to finish third behind Mountainous in a stamina-sapping renewal of the Coral Welsh Grand National.
Lavelle reports her admirable stayer to have taken his exertions well and is already target Newcastle's marathon contest on February 27.
"It's tough carrying more weight when the ground is as bottomless as that and I thought he ran an absolute stormer," she said.
"He seems as fresh as paint. He's eaten up and is very pleased with himself.
"He's going to have an easy time for a bit, but I'm really delighted with him. He's tough and so genuine.
"I think it will be the Eider next. It makes sense. Although I think he wants soft ground, he is going to be carrying a lot of weight in these races and I think genuinely soft ground, rather than heavy, will be better for him.
"He's in great order and the Eider will be the way forward."