• Grand National

Synchronised stands ground in National

ESPN staff
March 20, 2012
Synchronised powered away to win the Gold Cup © Getty Images
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Cheltenham Gold Cup victor Synchronised has stood his ground among the 59 that remain engaged in the Grand National.

The 2010 Welsh National winner (the race was run in January 2011 due to weather problems) took his form to a new level this season, following up his win in the Lexus Chase with a battling success in chasing's blue riband event at the Cheltenham Festival last week.

Synchronised has taken time to get over his races in the past and he had a tough outing at Cheltenham. The Grand National is three weeks away and it would appear trainer Jonjo O'Neill is prepared to give his charge, who is top weight with 11st 10lb, every chance.

Last year's winner Ballabriggs, a pound below Synchronised in the weights, is on course for a repeat bid, while the Gold Cup form is also represented by Burton Port, Midnight Chase and Weird Al, who came fourth, seventh and pulled up respectively.

Prince De Beauchene was the ante-post market leader prior to Synchronised's win and is one of six entries from Irish trainer Willie Mullins to stand his ground.

Other leading contenders include the David Pipe-trained Junior and Alan King's West End Rocker.

The five-day confirmation stage for the Grand National is on April 9 with the final declaration stage at 10am on April 12. A maximum field of 40 can line up, with four reserves included at the final stage to ensure full capacity.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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