2021 Aintree Grand National Festival Day 3 Preview
Author:
Jamie Clark
Publish Date:
Thursday, 08th Apr 2021
Experiences:
Our experienced editor
Experiences:
Our experienced editor
Jamie Clark was Sports Editor of Coral bookmakers between 2014 and 2017 during their merger with Labrokes and a key period for the British betting industry. Working as a bookie’s runner on the point to point circuit in the Midlands and at Market Rasen Racecourse where his late godfather had a trackside pitch growing up, he has had ties to horse racing all of his life. A regular visitor to Cheltenham during the National Hunt season and York over the summer, he has been involved in Horsebetting.com since its inception. Jamie now brings you his take on major news stories from the racing world and those all-important betting tips.
Aintree Festival Saturday – Grand National day 3 tips and preview
This is the Horsebetting.com guide to the Saturday of the Aintree Festival with Grand National day 3 tips and selections. See which horses our experts like on Grand National day itself.
In the extended 3m handicap hurdle that kicks off the card at 1:45, COME ON TEDDY appeals. A good third at the Cheltenham Festival in the Pertemps Final, the Tom George inmate looks a solid each-way bet in the opener. Many others have claims, however.
The Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at 2:25 includes the first of our Grand National day 3 tips in BALLYADAM. Now he doesn’t have Appreciate It in his way, this Irish raider could take a second Grade 1. In opposition is My Drogo who has progressed with each outing. There is also Ronan McNally’s Dreal Deal, who has been a revelation on the upgrade.
Another from the home team who could be an each-way alternative to the market principals is Minella Drama. Donald McCain’s runner has won on various different going, and his second in an Irish point to Sir Gerhard remains eye-catching form.
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Red-hot favourite SHISHKIN is long odds-on in the Maghull Novices’ Chase at 3:00 with very good reason. He is 19lb and upwards clear of his four rivals, so could run well below par and still win. There just isn’t a bet here, so our Grand National day 3 tips lie elsewhere.
The Liverpool Hurdle, run as the Ryanair Stayers Hurdle, at 3:35 sees old rivals Thyme Hill and Paisley Park meet for the third time this season. The former comes into this fresher after missing Cheltenham with a minor setback. Paisley Park, meanwhile, ran third at the Cheltenham Festival with his flat spots becoming an issue.
Although behind the pair in the Long Walk at Ascot, ROKSANA looks a free each-way bet as an alternative at the current prices. Team Skelton may regret not running her in the Stayers at Cheltenham, so she steps back up in trip for this stamina test.
Roksana was denied just a head in the race two years ago, so could gain compensation here. Her best form this season has come over three miles. She gets that here. As a mare, Roksana receives 7lb from all bar one rival at Aintree. It puts her bang in the frame once again.
Grand National glory awaits in feature
These Grand National day 3 betting tips don’t overlook the Betway Handicap Chase at 4:15. Our tipster goes for SNOW LEOPARDESS each-way now down in grade and distance after an unlucky fourth at Cheltenham. That was in the National Hunt Chase, while Ultima Handicap runner-up Happygolucky heads the betting for Kim Bailey.
And so, to the big one itself, the 2021 Grand National at 5:15. Cloth Cap is chucked in, but the market hasn’t missed the credentials of Trevor Hemmings’ horse trained by Jonjo O’Neill. The ground suits him just fine, so a bold bid is assured. Value lies elsewhere in the world’s greatest steeplechase, however.
BURROWS SAINT is our main selection, but the shortlist is a long one. Willie Mullins has had this in mind for him since taking the Irish Grand National over Easter 2019. It would be no surprise if Burrows Saint was tuned up for this after chasing home stable companion Acapella Bourgeois in the Bobbyjo Chase last time out.
JP McManus is mob-handed with the leading Irish owner running seven. Minella Times and Kimberlite Candy appeal most of those for different reasons. Outsiders that could go well in the Grand National are Mister Malarky, Alpha Des Obeaux and the first reserve Some Neck.
A Grade 2 bumper at 6:15 closes the meeting. Balco Coastal created a real impression with his winning debut, but dual Paul Nicholls scorer KNAPPERS HILL has daughter Megan getting the leg up. That one has more experience and just gets the nod as the last of our Grand National day 3 tips on a big day of jumps action.
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