Betfred expect "around £300 million" to be bet on the Grand National
PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)Bookmakers prepare for National stampede
LADBROKES are expecting to provoke a stampede of punters as they were set go a stand-out 12-1 about Gold Cup hero Synchronised in the John Smith's Grand National from Saturday morning.
Betfred expect "around £300 million" to be bet on the race and Coral think Synchronised will attract three times as many bets as any other horse in the race.
However Ladbrokes are keen to take him on and spokesman David Williams said: "We're fully expecting our 12-1 about Synchronised to set pulses racingon National morning. We're putting our heads above the parapet on the busiest day of the year and it should make for a wonderfully busy morning."
Synchronised's trainer Jonjo O'Neill is expecting a bold showing from JP McManus's star, the mount of Tony McCoy. "Personally, I think he has a great chance," he said. "The ground will be perfect for him, he will love the trip and I think he will be fine with the fences."
Aintree clerk of the course Andrew Tulloch was on Friday night considering "very selective" watering of the three courses before the Grand National card.
Great condition: Richard Johnson
PICTURE: John GrossickAs he walked the track after racing he said: "It is 50-50 whether we water, and if we do it will be very selective. It is good, good to soft in places."
Jockeys riding in Friday's Topham Chase, the first race of the meeting on the National course open to professionals, were pleased with the state of the ground.
"It is good to soft all round," said Richard Johnson, who was on runner-up Chance du Roy. "The rain has got in a small bit but it is in great condition."
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