Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Synchronised set for Hennessy Gold Cup

Grand National fancy Synchronised could run in the Hennessy Gold Cup in Ireland according to his connections.

The nine-year-old was last seen when winning the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown over the Christmas period, finishing ahead of favourite Quito De La Roque and fancied runner Rubi Light.

Trainer Jonjo O'Neill will be aiming to win his first Hennessy Gold Cup with Synchronised next month in a race that is served as a leading trial for the Cheltenham Gold Cup at the festival in March.

If the J P McManus-owned gelding runs a strong race in Ireland, a shot at the blue riband event a month later could be a realistic option for their talented chaser. Those with online Grand National free bets should remember this.

However, the Grand National has always been a target for this horse this season. Synchronised has proven he is capable of staying over trips of four mile plus on more than one occasion. He won the Midlands Grand National over the trip of 4m2f in 2010, and went on to finish third in the same race 12 months later.

McManus' racing manager Frank Berry believes the horse is in good health and expects a strong run once against at Leopardstown next month.

“All going well he's going for the Irish Hennessy and he's picked up well after his run at Christmas,” he said. “Jonjo is very happy with him.

"We were delighted to see him handle the ground so well at Leopardstown last month. To be fair, he has looked a lot sharper this season than he has in the past.”

If Synchronised does go on to run in the Grand National, and wins the race, it will be O'Neill's second success in the famous steeplechase after Don't Push It broke his duck in 2010.

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