Donald McCain insists the future remains unwritten for Minella Trump, with no concrete plans in place for his next outing.

The seven-year-old collected his fifth win from as many outings this season last Saturday when taking out the Guildford Novices' Limited Handicap Chase at Sandown.

That victory came on the back of a hat-trick of successes at Perth and a Sedgefield triumph in October.

Minella Trump ended last season with another Perth win but it was a topsy-turvy campaign in which he appeared to lose confidence over the fences.

His recent form suggests he is over his slump and the Sandown success seems to have reinforced the renewed belief in the gelding.

McCain admits it has been encouraging to see him progress after those previous misgivings, with his win in Surrey representing another significant step forward.

The trainer said: "It was grand and the nice thing was it's the best he's jumped on the biggest track he's jumped.

"I think between us all we thought we might be over-facing him a touch, but he jumped really well.

"This new novice handicap chase thing has really helped horses like him. Horses are now able to get a bit of confidence and step up through the ranks."

Minella Trump's run of form has got tongues wagging about potential future targets but the initial reaction from connections over the weekend was a cautious one.

There was even talk he could be put away for the winter, with a view to coming back for a spring campaign.

At least that was the view of jockey Brian Hughes, who has been on board for all six of his recent wins, and McCain has been similarly coy about his plans for this son of 1996 St Leger winne, Shantou. 

The Cheshire handler will wait to see what the handicapper's verdict is on his charge's recent improvement before making any decisions.

He has also admits the weather may play a part in his plans, as will the opinion of his daughter Abbie.

McCain added: "We'll see what the handicapper does and see what the weather does and play it by ear.

"Obviously he's been busy but my daughter Abbie rides him every day and knows him well enough, so if he's fresh and well and the ground is still around we'll go somewhere else."