Synchronised sidesteps Hennessy
The nine-year-old, trained by Jonjo O’Neill, joins the list of high-profile horses to miss the Irish showpiece, but the Lexus Chase winner remains on course for the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup.
“Jonjo’s not happy with him today and he’s not going to send him over for the race,” said Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus.
“He won’t run again before Cheltenham and hopefully Jonjo will get him right for the Gold Cup.”
With Synchronised joining Jessies Dream and Quito De La Roque on the sidelines, there is at least positive news coming out of Jessica Harrington’s yard regarding Bostons Angel.
Last year’s RSA Chase winner has disappointed so far this season but is being fitted with head gear on Sunday in an attempt to revitalise him.
Harrington tweeted: “Bostons Angel schooled excellent with check pieces on this morning. Full steam ahead for the Hennessy on Sunday.”
Meanwhile, Tony McCoy will ride Darlan in tomorrow’s Betfair Hurdle at Newbury, for which 22 runners were declared yesterday.
McCoy had the option to partner previous winner Get Me Out Of Here (Richie McLernon) but has opted for Nicky Henderson’s exciting novice, who is second favourite behind Zarkandar.
The master of Seven Barrows has also declared Soldatino (Barry Geraghty) and Erricht (Andrew Tinkler).
Paul Nicholls, trainer of the favourite, also runs Brampour (Harry Derham) and Empire Levant (Darly Jacob) with Ruby Walsh taking the ride aboard Zarkandar.
Richard Johnson has been booked to partner Final Approach for Willie Mullins. The County Hurdle winner returned to winning ways last time out having tried his hand in Grade One company previously.
Only Sailors Warn and Orzare were taken out at the 48-hour stage for one of the richest hurdle races in Europe.
Newbury remained raceable yesterday although the prospects for tomorrow’s meeting remain in the balance.
Kempton were supposed to have a National Hunt meeting today but switched to a bumpers-for-jumpers card on the all-weather track after the turf course was frozen. Unfortunately forecast snow means that meeting must pass an 8am precautionary inspection.
The big Kingmaker meeting at Warwick tomorrow has been called off early.
On a brighter note, Musselburgh are confident their rearranged card tomorrow will go ahead.
Hereford’s meeting on Sunday is under serious threat and must pass an 8.30am inspection today.
