Killyglen one to watch now he has made Grand National field

The fact that Synchronised remains a possible Grand National runner may have been the big talking point at the latest declaration stage, but the fact that Killyglen has made the field for Aintree could be a bigger story come the end of the race next month.

Some 18 horses were withdrawn from the Aintree marathon at the latest point, meaning that just 59 horses are still fighting for a spot among the final 40.

Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Synchronised has stood his ground at the top of the weights, with Festival failures Hold On Julio and Quantitativeeasing among the bigger names to have been pulled out.

All of those at the head of the Grand National odds do still remain, including 10/1 joint favourites Junior and Prince De Beauchene.

The latest developments also mean that all of the horses to be allocated 10st4lb and higher by the handicapper are definite starters, assuming they are not withdrawn by connections ahead of race day.

This brings in Killyglen, who is now almost certain to be receiving weight from the whole field and looks an attractive price at 25/1.

Killyglen contested the Grand National last year and was still in contention in the leading group when falling five fences from home.

The fact he now has added experience of the Aintree fences and is generally a year older, must be considered positives towards his chances, while he is additionally 6lb better off than 12 months ago.

Connections have been careful to protect his mark this season and have largely taken the traditional route of campaigning Killyglen over hurdles.

Since the allocation of the Grand National weights, Killyglen has been given a spin over fences at Down Royal, where he ran out a fairly comfortable winner and this would have helped in his preparation for Aintree.

At the prices, he certainly looks to have firm each-way credentials.