Synchronised tops 48 National acceptors

Synchronised tops 48 six-day acceptors for the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree.

JP McManus' charge is bidding to become the first horse since Golden Miller to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup and National in the same season and will be ridden by Tony McCoy.

All the other leading fancies stand their ground including Junior, last year's winner Ballabriggs, Cappa Bleu, West End Rocker, Chicago Grey and Seabass.

At the moment Vic Venturi is the last horse guaranteed a place in the final field with Viking Blond, Neptune Equester, Any Currency, Our Island, Abbeybraney, Saddlers Storm Smoking Aces and Ballyvesey needing horses to come out.

The defections were Midnight Chase, Burton Port, Quel Esprit, Roberto Goldback, Apt Approach, Psycho, Pearlysteps, Prince de Beauchene, Roulez Cool, The Package and Another Palm.