Synchronised Hennessy decision on Thursday

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A final decision on whether Synchronised will line up in Sunday's Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown will be made by Thursday.

The JP McManus-owned stayer was a most impressive winner of the Lexus Chase at the Foxrock circuit over Christmas, but trainer Jonjo O'Neill revealed last week that it has taken some time for the nine-year-old to recover from his exertions.

McManus' racing manager, Frank Berry, reports the gelding to be in good form, but his final piece of work prior to what connections hope will be a return to Ireland has had to be delayed due to the freezing temperatures.

"The weather is holding things up a bit, but everything is good at the moment and hopefully we should know where we are by Thursday," said Berry.

"We just haven't been able to get that last bit of work into him because of the frost and snow, but touch wood he seems in good form and we'll know for sure by Thursday, all being well."

Synchronised features among 10 confirmations following the latest entry stage and will be the sole British challenger if he does take his chance.

Willie Mullins is set to rely on Quel Esprit, while Colm Murphy is hoping Quit De La Roque can bounce back following a slightly disappointing third behind Synchronised in the Lexus.

Murphy said: "He seems to be well in himself and we are looking forward to it. I don't know what happened to him the last day - maybe he had a harder race than we thought he had when he won the Nicholson Chase at Down Royal.

"The ground will be fine for him - he has won on everything."

Another on something of a recovery mission is the Jessica Harrington-trained Bostons Angel. After failing to complete the course at Down Royal, he ran lazily at Sandown and he is set to be fitted with headgear on Sunday.

"He seems to be fine. He worked last week and I was happy with him and the plan is to run at the weekend," said Harrington.

"He disappointed me at Sandown and before that he came down at an early stage in the Nicholson Chase on his first run of the season.

"He just wasn't right, so we had to skip the Lexus Chase, but he is fine again now and we'll try him with cheekpieces or blinkers on Sunday."

"Dessie Hughes has Magnanimity and Roberto Goldback in the mix, while Mouse Morris could saddle the talented China Rock.
Follow The Plan, Jessies Dream and Treacle complete the acceptors."