Here are the top contenders for the Grand National in 2021 (photo courtesy of Aintree Racecourse)
If you’re someone who is into betting on horse racing then the Grand National is likely to be a big event on your calendar. As the Grand National approaches, we tend to see more in the media about which horses are racing and what their chances are. However, you’ll get better odds the further in advance you place your bet. This doesn’t mean you need to take more of a risk, instead a little research into who is racing and who are the early season contenders can help you know where to bet.
The top contenders are decided by several factors – how their training has gone, what their previous races have been like and what their long-term racing history is. New horses to the Grand National can find it overwhelming, so watching how they have performed in other big races during training season is essential.
Here is a look at the top contenders for the Grand National 2021:
Kimberlite Candy Trained by Tom Lacy
We know that Becher Chase often shows as a great look into what the Grand National is likely to look like. The last Becher Chase was won by well-known horse Vieux Rough, another win following their first place in 2016. The race itself gives some horses the chance to experience their first jump on such iconic fences and this year, Kimberlite Candy caught the eye of many horse racing enthusiast. This is the 2nd year that he came in a runner-up position in the race and is likely to have done well in the 2020 Grand National race, had it taken place.
Lake View Lad Trained By Nick Alexander
Lake View Lad had an unlucky run at the last Grand National (2019). He was caught out by the standing start and then had to play catch up throughout the race. He is a smart chaser and fast, but he didn’t make one of the fences which resulted in him being pulled up. However, he has previous at Aintree and many believe that this one race shouldn’t judge how he would fare at the next Grand National. He has a good track record at various races including a victory at the Rowland Meyrick in 2018.
Presenting Percy Trained by Gordon Elliott
For many people, recommending Presenting Percy for the 2021 Grand National will seem a strange choice, as we know he is one of the top contenders for the Cheltenham Gold Cup this year. However, Gordon Elliott has made it very clear that he intends to target both races this year. Presenting Percy has a varied history in racing; however, a victory in the 2018 RSA Chase shows he has great ability in him. He had a couple of slower seasons under Patrick Jelly, but it is thought his recent switch to Cullentra House could make all the difference.
Following The Grand National
If you are into horse racing sports then you’ll know that top contenders for the Grand National could well change between now and then. That said, knowing the history of a horse and how well they have done previously isn’t a bad thing. Even if you aren’t quite ready to place a bet yet, following their training and career can give you a better idea of who to bet on when the time comes.
Of course, failing that you could simply bet how some non-enthusiasts do – choose a horse with a funny name or pick them by the colours the riders are wearing. You’ll probably have just as much fun watching the race, but you aren’t giving yourself the best possible chance of winning. If we were you, we would follow the Grand National news carefully, as well as the three horses we’ve talked about in this article and then decide who you want to place a bet on. The Grand National has every chance of being allowed to go ahead this year, so you don’t have to worry about your research going to waste.
