O'Neill delays final decision on Synchronised run

A final decision on whether Synchronised will line up in Sunday’s Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown will be made by Thursday.

The JP McManus-owned stayer was a most impressive winner of the Lexus Chase at the Foxrock circuit over Christmas, but trainer Jonjo O’Neill revealed last week that it has taken some time for the nine-year-old to recover from his exertions.

McManus’ racing manager, Frank Berry, reports the gelding to be in good form, but his final piece of work prior to what connections hope will be a return to Ireland has had to be delayed due to the freezing temperatures.

“The weather is holding things up a bit, but everything is good at the moment and hopefully we should know where we are by Thursday,” said Berry.

“We just haven’t been able to get that last bit of work into him because of the frost and snow, but touch wood he seems in good form and we’ll know for sure by Thursday, all being well.”