Weighty burden for Synchronised repeat bid
The eight-year-old, trained by Jonjo O’Neill, is rated 16lb higher than when he held the gutsy mare L’Aventure by three quarters of a length in the four-mile-one-furlong heat 12 months ago.
He shouldered 11st 6lb that day in a race in which there was only one other finisher from the 18 runners that set out in very testing conditions.
The ground is likely to be better this time but some rain would help Tony McCoy’s mount in what will be his last race before a possible tilt at the John Smith’s Grand National next month.
“He’s in good form, Jonjo’s happy with him, but we’re hoping for a drop more rain,” said Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus.
“It’s a very competitive race, he’s got more weight than last year and we just hope for the best.”
Connections have a lively second string in Alfie Sherrin, who is one of the few others in the handicap proper and carrying a handy 10st 6lb.
Although the same age as Synchronised, he is not as experienced and has only had three runs over fences.
Trainer Richard Lee would like to see a vdownpour to aid the chances of Le Beau Bai, who was pulled up in the race last year.
He showed his current well-being with a creditable effort to finish third behind Silver By Nature in Haydock’s Grand National Trial four weeks ago for the second year running.
The tougher the conditions the better for the pony-sized eight-year-old, who will only carry 9st 9lb thanks to his rider Jake Greenall claiming the 7lb allowance.
“We just hope it rains a bit more, the softer the ground the better for him,” said Lee.
“It didn’t quite happen in this race for him last year, but let’s hope things are better this year.
“He’s got a handy weight, he’s only a little horse so a nice light weight of 9st 9lb is going to be just the ticket. Jake’s 7lb is very handy.
“He ran a great race at Haydock and the extra distance at Uttoxeter will help him too. The more rain the better – I can’t stress that enough.”
