Synchronised will complete his John Smith’s Grand National preparations with a pipeopener today ahead of the Aintree spectacular on Saturday.

John Smith’s Grand National favourite Junior is likely to have his first run of the season at Newbury on Friday as he builds up to the greatest race of them all.

Last year’s Aintree hero Ballabriggs features among the 82 entries for the John Smith’s Grand National on April 14.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has 10 of the 102 initial entries for the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree in April.

RUBY WALSH came to the rescue of the punters with a much-needed victory on Big Buck’s, the first banker, and only the third favourite, to win at Cheltenham.