Grand National steamers: five horses who could shorten in the Aintree build-up

As anticipation for the 2021 Randox Grand National intensifies in the final 24 hours before the world's most famous jumps race, plenty of horses will begin attracting support that could see their odds shorten dramatically before they get under way at 5.15pm. We pick out five who could plunge in price . . .

5.15 Aintree Saturday: Randox Grand National racecard and betting

Minella Times
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
Jockey: Rachael Blackmore
Current price: 11-1

Rachael Blackmore dominated at the Cheltenham Festival and it didn't take her long to get on the board at Aintree as she showcased her strength in the saddle on Me Too Please in the mares' bumper on Thursday.

Now the star rider looks to become the first female jockey to win the Grand National, and in Minella Times she partners an unexposed chaser with a big chance.

Heavily punted since February and now into general 8-1 chance (from 40), Minella Times is the biggest loser for the bookmakers with Paddy Power possibly set to pay out a staggering £15 million should the pair cross the line in first. Don't expect the money to dry up.

Discorama: often the recipient of market supportCredit: Caroline Norris

Trainer: Paul Nolan
Jockey: Brian Cooper
Current price: 22-1

A race in which Discorama isn't well backed is a rare occurrence. The Paul Nolan-trained eight-year-old has proved far from prolific in his career (2-18) but his legion of followers fail to throw in the towel.

Since he was first sent chasing in November 2018, Discorama has run 11 times. On ten occasions his starting price was 8-1 or shorter, the only exception came in a Grade 1 novice event at the Punchestown festival, in which he finished second at 12-1.

Although he didn't show his best at Cheltenham when last seen in November, a wind op may be the catalyst to an improved effort, so you can expect to see the money pile in once again.

Runner-by-runner guide: trainer quotes and ratings for the National

Trainer: Tony Martin
Jockey: Denis O'Regan
Current price: 28-1

Punters love course-and-distance form in the National, especially casual viewers who watch one race a year and remember the names of last season's placed horses.

Anibale Fly is a stalwart of this showpiece event and ran creditably to finish fourth to Tiger Roll in 2018 and fifth in 2019. The latter effort came off a mark of 164 and the handicapper has leniently dropped him 9lb in the interim.

Given he's got round on both tries here, each-way money will be flying around for the 11-year-old.

'You'd have to like his chances' – Jonjo O'Neill bullish about Cloth Cap

Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Brian Hayes
Current price: 66-1

Although he appears to be the third string for trainer Willie Mullins, write Class Conti off at your peril. The French import is more unexposed than most and seems to have been targeted at the Grand National for some time.

He hasn't won since 2019, but recent exploits, especially his runner-up finish in last season's Thyestes Chase, suggest he could play a hand here if he stays the trip.

Big-priced winners are common and Class Conti has more upside to most, which may entice value players.

The Long Mile: bids to become first seven-year-old to win the Grand National since 1940

Racing Post tipping experts predict the first four home in the National

Trainer: Philip Dempsey
Jockey: Luke Dempsey
Current price: 66-1

No seven-year-old has won this race since 1940, which plays a part in The Long Mile's price, but he's an improving chaser who would be significantly shorter in the market if he represented leading connections.

A 22-length winner of the Tim Duggan Memorial Handicap Chase at Limerick in December, The Long Mile has hinted that a stamina-sapping test would suit him, although the ground may be on the live side.

Nevertheless, 66-1 is too big for a horse with the potential to improve. There are far worse outsiders to chuck a couple of quid at and it would be a surprise if he didn't go without some support.

5.15 Aintree Saturday: Randox Grand National racecard and betting

If you want more on the 2021 Grand National . . .

2021 Grand National: the runners, the odds, the verdict

Cloth Cap: should I back the favourite for the 2021 Grand National?

'I picked him at 33-1 and now the gamble is on' – celebrity Grand National picks

Grand National strategies: how to find the winner of the 40-runner epic

2021 Grand National: confirmed runners and riders for Saturday's big race

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