Synchronised to complete prep

RACING:SYNCHRONISED WILL complete his Aintree Grand National preparations with a pipeopener today ahead of the race on Saturday.

Providing he comes through the exercise at Jonjo O’Neill’s stables with no hiccups, the Cheltenham Gold Cup hero will head a team of at least four for JP McManus.

“He’ll do his final bit of work in the morning and we’ll see how he is, but it’s so far so good,” said his racing manager Frank Berry. “He’s not doing a lot in the morning, just a little, and if all is well he will go there.

“Sunnyhillboy is well. He came out of Cheltenham fine and is in good form. With a bit of luck he should go well round there as long as he takes to the place.

“We should have four runners [Quiscover Fontaine and Arbor Supreme are the others] and we have one [Smoking Aces] waiting to get in.” McManus, O’Neill and jockey Tony McCoy tasted National glory with Don’t Push It two years ago and he was third to Ballabriggs 12 months ago.

But no Gold Cup winner has gone on to triumph at Aintree the same year since the mighty Golden Miller in 1934.

Ballabriggs will attempt back-to-back victories in the world’s greatest steeplechase, a feat last achieved by his trainer Donald McCain’s father Ginger in 1974 through the legendary Red Rum.

“Everything’s fine with him and Donald’s happy with him,” said owner Trevor Hemmings’ racing manager Michael Meagher.

“It would be amazing if he could do it again. It’s a big ask, but he has got a chance.”

Alfa Beat will attempt to add the Liverpool showpiece to his two wins in the Kerry National for trainer John Hanlon and become the first grey to score since Nicolaus Silver in 1961. He will be ridden by Davy Russell, who is expecting a big show.

“He’s been laid out for the race. I won on him round Galway in a handicap chase when Charles Byrnes had him and he’s won two Kerry Nationals, so I’m looking forward to riding him,” Russell said.

“He’s been around Aintree and he jumped most of the fences before he did fall. I’m looking forward to having a good spin and a good ride.

Kim Bailey won the Grand National with Mr Frisk in 1990 and was relieved Midnight Haze was finally guaranteed a place in the line-up at the confirmation stage. “This has made the members of the Kim Bailey Racing Partnership very happy indeed, excited and very happy owners,” he said,

“Yes, what a thrill for them. Cheltenham in March and Aintree in April. Midnight Haze might be a long shot in the betting but his form stands out and with a clear round he could surprise and be placed.”

Clerk of the course Andrew Tulloch said: “We have had a second dry day in a row, having missed the showers so far, and the courses have dried again. I am really pleased with the ground.”