It’s Grand National Saturday and the main event itself is accompanied by a supporting cast of six other races across what should be a fantastic day of racing at Aintree. Yesterday, our three Grand National Festival selections returned a placed effort and a winner when Mystical Power delivered the goods for Willie Mullins. Check out our latest Grand National betting tips below.
Best Tip #1: I Am Maximus – Aintree Grand National, 4.00
I Am Maximus looks like the strongest representative from Willie Mullins’s stable alongside Meetingofthewaters, however, the former is our pick to succeed in what promises to be a thrilling race in the Grand National.
The Irish National winner also won a Grade 1 novice event at Fairyhouse and won at the same track most recently in February ahead of today’s competitor, Vanillier. If he can keep his jumps from veering left, he should be the one to beat again off a good mark.
Some of the other best betting sites for the Grand National have seen movement in Limerick Lace’s direction. She tends to perform well on heavy ground and has won on three of her last four starts, including the Grade 2 mares’ chase at Cheltenham over 2m 4f.
Roi Mage, who performed well before fading in last year’s renewal, could be worth shortlisting at a big price, while Adamantly Chosen’s win at Down Royal on March 17th was eye-catching enough to make him an each-way option today.
| Bookmaker | Odds |
| Betzone UK | 7/1 |
| Planet Sport Bet | 7/1 |
| Fitzdares | 7/1 |
Best Tip #2: West Balboa – Aintree, 1.20
West Balboa won last year’s renewal of the Bridle Road Handicap Hurdle fairly convincingly and though she could be the one to back again despite a 6lb increase this time around.
Her form through the winter didn’t pull up any trees, however, she showed a bit more oomph at Kempton (6th) last time out and the soft to heavy conditions that are expected today should suit Dan Skelton’s charge.
Skelton’s Gwennie May Boy is also put forward for serious consideration. He loves getting mucky and remains unbeaten since switching to Skelton’s stable. Wins at Bangor and Uttoxeter for his new trainer were notable and he could push again here. Paul Nicholls’ Monmiral could also be in the mix.
He performed well with blinkers on to win the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham last month and shouldn’t be overly concerned about the 6lb rise he’s incurred since.
| Bookmaker | Odds |
| Betzone UK | 5/2 |
| Planet Sport Bet | 9/4 |
| Fitzdares | 5/2 |
Best Roughie: Mister Meggit – Aintree, 5:35
Mister Meggit moves up a few grades today for the last race at Aintree, though the 6-year-old looks ready to make that leap. Wins at Carlisle (Nov) and Doncaster (Mar) really caught the eye and hinted at top-tier potential for Jonjo O’Neill’s entry.
Mister Meggit defied a penalty to cruise home at Doncaster last time out and while he might have been a solid Cheltenham Gold Cup contender, he’s been held back for today and could shine.
Elsewhere, Castle Ivers could be worth tracking on sports betting apps at a bigger price. The 5-year-old has raced three times and was beaten only once, shaping up well to win at Wetherby on soft ground last month.
The 5-year-old could be destined for big things and could muscle in today. Good and Clever meanwhile, who is very unexposed and won by 12l at Warwick on his last outing on March 10th, is another name for shortlists.
| Bookmaker | Odds |
| Betzone UK | 9/4 |
| Planet Sport Bet | 9/4 |
| Fitzdares | 9/4 |
Stats and Insights
- Eight of the last 11 winners of the Grand National were aged between seven and nine while just two of the last 11 favourites have won the big race. Last year’s winner, Corach Rambler, was one of those successful ante-post favourites and he is competing to defend his crown today.
- The Bridle Road Handicap Hurdle is the first race on day three of the Grand National Festival and eight of the last 11 winners of the renewal were rated at 137 or higher. A Dan Skelton-trained horse has won two of the last four Bridle Road Handicap Hurdles.
- The Champion Standard Open NHF Race is generally an open contest and only one of the last 11 winners of the renewal started the event as favourite or joint favourite. Paul Nicholls has produced two of the last four winners of the race with his 5-year-old, Florida Dreams. Ten of the last 11 winners of the race were aged either five or six.
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