Rocker to eclipse Gold Cup hero

ALL eyes will be on Synchronised when the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner bids for John Smith’s Grand National glory at Aintree tomorrow.

Not since Golden Miller 78 years ago has a horse completed the big-race double.

The odds are stacked against Tony McCoy’s mount but, despite having to carry top weight, there are grounds for believing he has a better chance than many previous Gold Cup heroes.

Also in Synchronised’s favour is the length of the race, 4.5 miles.

It was his abundant stamina which won him the Gold Cup and, as a Midlands and Welsh National winner, he will relish every yard of tomorrow’s contest.

So what can go wrong, you may wonder? Well, two things, in my book.

The first negative factor is the Aintree fences. Synchronised has never been a fluent jumper and if he clouts one of the big ditches there is every chance he will come a cropper.

My other worry is the proximity of the Gold Cup to tomorrow’s gruelling test. Synchronised runs best fresh, which he won’t be tomorrow.

Supporting him to win the world’s toughest race suddenly becomes less attractive.

I suspect much better value lies elsewhere and, with the going expected to be on the soft side of good, my three against the field, in order of preference, are West End Rocker, Treacle and Giles Cross.

The former won the Becher Chase over these fences in December and has been prepared for the National ever since.

Granted a clear passage, his mix of sound jumping and staying power must surely see him involved in the finish.

Treacle is a tough Irish chaser who ran a personal-best at Leopardstown last time.

As for Giles Cross, what you see is what you get. He runs from the front, normally jumps well and is as genuine as they come.

Those looking for an outsider could do worse than 2009 winner Mon Mome.

He has to show he still retains his ability, but trainer Venetia Williams reckons the spark remains and, off 10-8, Mon Mome has been kindly treated.



VERDICT:

1, West End Rocker

2, Treacle

3, Giles Cross

4, On His Own



Best long-shot:

Mon Mome