Last year’s winner Synchronised will have to defy top weight of 11st 12lb if he is to land back-to-back victories in the totesport.com Midlands Grand National Chase at Uttoxeter today.

GVA Ireland is out to become the first horse to win the John Smith’s Midlands Grand National Chase twice when he lines up for the Uttoxeter marathon today.

Fran Flood is “hopeful” of G V A Ireland repeating last year’s success in the John Smith’s Midlands Grand National Chase at Uttoxeter tomorrow.