Already betting fans are searching for the best Grand National betting offers to back the 2021 champion in this year’s race but are they right to? Can Minella Times join Abd-El Kader, The Colonel, Reynoldstown and Red Rum? Or will he finish down the pecking order? Read on to find out.
Minella Times and Rachel Blackmore make history at the 2021 Grand National.
The former continued her red hot streak of form from Cheltenham to ride a near perfect race, settling into a great rhythm early on and positioning herself at the head of the chasing pack after Canal Turn.
Moving alongside the outsider Jett on the second-last, Blackmore jumped it half a length to the good before putting in another good jump to set off to the elbow well ahead and then never looked back. Tactically and technically it was a dazzling performance from Blackmore.
Minella Times too was in fantastic form, demonstrating great stamina, focus and impeccable jumping ability. What are the chances of all of those things coming together again though in 2022?
According to the latest odds Minella Times can be backed anywhere from 16/1 to 12/1 – slightly longer odds than the 11/1 that he rode to success on last year. Are those odds a bit harsh or are they realistic?
Well, judging by the fact that he is carrying a lot more weight than last year and the lack of recent races in his legs perhaps not. Minella Times hasn’t been in good form for a while and it’s unclear as to how he has recovered after suffering a heavy fall in the John Durkan Memorial Chase.
With all that in mind the current odds on Minella Times look a lot shorter than they perhaps should do. So, if Minella Times is unlikely to defend his crown, who else is worth a look at this year’s Grand National? Here are 5 horses to watch out for on Saturday.
Any Second Now
Whilst Minella Times was scooping the plaudits for finishing first in last year’s race, Any Second Now was receiving similar praise for finishing third.
Not because he was an outsider punching above his weight, but because he almost fell to the very back of the pack halfway through the race after a melee whilst already sitting third.
That fightback gave Ted Walsh renewed confidence that Any Second Now could triumph at the Grand National. He comes in this year carrying slightly more weight and in good form and is, at the time of writing, the favourite.
Santini
Trained by Polly Gundry, Santini is a horse more than capable of excelling on a long course with plenty of jumps. He finished second in the Gold Cup two years ago and has excelled in almost every National-esque race since then.
At 33/1 he’s a long shot, but still probably a smarter bet than Minella Times…
Escaria Ten
Talking of horses that have been tailor made for the Grand National, what about Escaria Ten? The horse that Gordon Elliott – trainer to two-time winner Tiger Roll – has now placed all of his hopes behind.
In his two races this season he has fared well, with some reserves undoubtedly being left in the bank for the National. Has a very enticing price of 10/1 considering his physique and trainer.
Snow Leopardess
It’s been 12 months since a female jockey won at the Grand National but it has been 71 years since a female horse has done the same. What are the chances then of a 10 year old mare who has already given birth winning the Grand National? According to the bookmakers about 12/1.
Which is good value when you consider her staying power and jumping prowess. Those attributes coupled with the fact that she won the recent Becher Chase at Aintree have to make her one of the frontrunners.
Kildisart
If you want an intriguing outside bet for this year’s Grand National look no further than Kildisart, the winner of the Midmay Course at Aintree and a horse that’s gaining real interest from within the industry.
On his day, in the right rhythm he could well finish as the 2022 Grand National winner and at 40/1 could make you a fortune!