Leading Australian steeplechaser Bashboy could head to New Zealand for the southern hemisphere's longest race.

Bashboy is set to run in the Grand National Steeplechase at Ballarat on Sunday, after which trainer Ciaron Maher will decide whether to go to Ellerslie to run in the Great Northern Steeplechase (6400m) on September 5.

Maher had been contemplating running Grand Annual Steeplechase winner Regina Coeli in the Great Northern, but she has been sent for a spell after running fifth to her stablemate in the Crisp Steeplechase at Ballarat on July 12.

The trainer said there were a number of factors in Bashboy's favour which could sway him towards the New Zealand feature.

"I think there's a maximum top weight of 71 (kg)," Maher said.

"It'll be a heavy track, the distance suits, as will the big jumps."

Bashboy's regular rider Steve Pateman is no stranger to the Great Northern course having finished second on Tobouggie Nights last year.

Last month Pateman won a steeplechase at the course on Amanood Lad who is also being prepared for the race this year.

Bashboy will race on next season, as long as his form warrants it, and Maher said, at this stage, he could see no reason why it would not.

However next season will be Bashboy's last as a recent Australian rule of racing requires horses to be retired at the end of their 12-year-old seasons.

Maher said there could be some consideration given to racing internationally if Bashboy was still racing well.

"I broached going overseas with the owners a couple of years ago but they opted to stay here," Maher said.

"I didn't know how he'd line up but I thought he had all the qualities to go, but they wanted to enjoy him here."