Positive signs for Synchronised National bid

The signs are becoming increasingly positive that last month’s brave Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Synchronised will be given the green light to bid for a famous double and tackle the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree on April 14, writes Elliot Slater.
It was the upbeat mood of multiple champion jockey Tony McCoy and his comments that trainer Jonjo O’Neill had suggested the horse was really “coming to himself”, that gave the strongest possible hint that the JP McManus-owned nine-year-old will be allowed to take his chance and carry top weight of 11st 10lbs in the ‘the world’s greatest steeplechase’.
McCoy famously partnered Don’t Push It to Grand National glory for O’Neil and McManus in 2010 and was on board Synchronised when the former Welsh Grand National and Midlands Grand National winner confirmed his step up to the highest grade in coming from a long way back to beat The Giant Bolster and defending champion Long Run in a thrilling renewal of the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month. A Synchronised win at Aintree is one of the more romantic Betfair Grand National tips.

McCoy hinted that Synchronised is recovering quicker than is often the case after a gruelling race, and that although no final decision has been made he believes the odds are improving for the son of Saddler’s Wells to be bid to become the first horse since the legendary Golden Miller in 1934 to land the Cheltenham Gold Cup/Grand National double. Punters are certainly eyeing a famous and historic double, with Betfair Aintree betting markets seeing plenty of money piled on McCoy’s ride.
Certainly on a point of handicapping Synchronised is as much as a stone ‘well in’, his weight for the
Aintree marathon having been allocated before his stunning success in the blue riband event at the home of National Hunt racing. O’Neill’s confirmed stayer is now a top priced 10/1 joint-favourite with Junior, with some firms offering only 7/1 about him carving himself a unique niche in racing history.