Here at Betting.co.uk, this Grand National day three preview takes you through all the action of the final day of the 2021 Aintree Festival. This is the big one in Liverpool. Learn which horses from the supporting card appeal to our experts in the Grand National Saturday preview below.
Grand National day three preview – My Drogo can cross the Mersey with win
In a competitive opener, the suggestion for the EFT Systems Handicap Hurdle at 1:45 is Pertemps Final third COME ON TEDDY. He stayed on at Cheltenham, so brings that to the table. Uttoxeter conqueror Ashtown Lad sneaks in at the foot of the weights, but must prove his well-being after pulling up.
The first tip in our Grand National Saturday preview is MY DROGO in the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at 2:25. Also representing Dan Skelton, this has been a target all season for the Kelso Premier Hurdle winner. My Drogo looks well worth a crack at Grade 1 level, but Irish raider Ballyadam, who came a distant second in the Supreme, could give him plenty to think about.
Moscow Flyer winner Dreal Deal has been thriving of late for Ronan McNally, so can also have a say in the finish here. The Maghull Novices’ Chase at 3:00, meanwhile, is all about SHISHKIN. A revelation over fences, there is no opposing this long odds-on favourite.
Grand National Saturday preview – Old rivals meet again in Liverpool Hurdle
In the chief supporting race, the Liverpool Hurdle at 3:35, many re-oppose from the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham. THYME HILL comes here fresh after a slight setback, however, and that could be the difference. Paisley Park seems to take longer to recover from flat spots these days and may not be able to overhaul Philip Hobbs’ runner like he did at Ascot over the winter.
Team Skelton may wish they went in the Stayers last month instead of the Mares’ Hurdle with Roksana. She goes back up in trip here, and all her best runs this season have come over three miles. If you can get your money back each-way, then she looks a free bet on that front.
HAPPYGOLUCKY is out to go one better than at Cheltenham in the Betway Handicap Chase at 4:15. Kim Bailey’s charge needed a better jump at the last to stop the prominent racing Vintage Clouds from landing the Ultima. Snow Leopardess was an unlucky fourth in the National Hunt Chase, meanwhile, and could have a say in the finish now eased in grade and dropping back into handicap company.
Ultra-competitive Grand National brings fab Festival to a close
We have looked at the Grand National itself at 5:15 separately, so here are the highlights. BURROWS SAINT has had this as his aim since taking the Irish equivalent in 2019. Willie Mullins has a fine record at Aintree, so his first string could be a handicap plot.
Our Grand National day three preview also points to the obvious claims of favourite Cloth Cap. It’s not difficult to see why he heads the betting for Jonjo O’Neill and Trevor Hemmings. He is very well-weighted and loves the forecast conditions, so may take some stopping if getting into the fine jumping rhythm Tom Scudamore got from him in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury.
In the concluding Grade 2 bumper at 6:15, BALCO COASTAL made an impressive debut under Rules at Kempton when winning by a wide margin. He is open to any amount of further progress for Nicky Henderson. The Paul Nicholls trained Knappers Hill also has plenty of ability and daughter Megan rides him again after a Listed success around Ascot.
