The 2021 Randox Grand National Meeting gets underway this afternoon and we take a look at the key runners in each of the five races taking place on what has been termed ‘Liverpool Day’.
Live coverage of five races on today’s card at Aintree will be provided by ITV and the action features many high class names such as Buveur D’Air, Native River and of course dual Grand National winner Tiger Roll.
2:20 – Doom Bar Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle, Grade 1, 2m1f
Trainer Paul Nicholls decided to swerve the Cheltenham Festival with Monmiral, instead making the decision to send him into this contest as he aims to extend his winning run to four in his first attempt at Grade One. He will face fierce competition from Adagio who heads to Aintree on the back of a second place in the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival last month.
Our Tip: Monmiral
2:50 – Betway Bowl Chase, Grade 1, 3m1f
As with Monmiral, Clan Des Obeaux has also been aimed at the Aintree meeting instead of Prestbury Park and with this race being his main spring target, the two-time King George winner searches for his first win since triumphing in the Kempton Park showpiece back in December 2019. Competition will be fierce given that he is up against dual Grand National winner Tiger Roll and 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Native River, the former aimed at this race instead of bidding for an historic third win in the Grand National itself.
Our Tip: Clan Des Obeaux
3:25 – Betway Aintree Hurdle, Grade 1, 2m4f
This is a tricky one with the top six in the betting market competing in this contest at the very same rating. Abacadabras fell in the Champion Hurdle last month and he will be bidding to bounce back from that mishap this afternoon. He will be joined in this race by Irish entry Jason The Militant while the British contingent includes Song For Someone, Brewin’upastorm, McFabulous and of course two-time Champion Hurdle winner Buveur D’Air.
Our tip: Jason The Militant
4:05 – Rose Paterson Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase, 2m5f
This is the first race of the three-day meeting to take place over the famous Grand National fences, amateur jockeys relishing the chance to shine and get their moment in the spotlight. Patrick Mullins will seek to get a first victory in the race aboard favourite Billaway while others which should feature prominently include Paul Nicholls duo Sametegal and Cat Tiger. Sam Waley-Cohen will be searching for his fourth victory on Dashing Perk.
Our Tip: Billaway
4:40 – Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase, Grade 3, 2m
This contest is set to be fiercely competitive and Harry Skelton will be aiming to boost his jockey’s championship bid with Destrier. Getwaway Trump can be a class act when the mood takes him and he can clinch what would be his biggest win to date while Moon Over Germany will look to add to his 2019 win in what looks set to be a tough contest.
Our Tip: Destrier
