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Grand National festival

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

Clare Balding: birthday celebrations for the presenter and owner
Clare Balding: star broadcaster fancies Minella Times for the Grand National on SaturdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Mike Bushell, BBC Breakfast reporter, eighth in 2019 Strictly Come Dancing
I'm giving an each-way shout for Sub Lieutenant to show his 100-1 odds are too big. He has never fallen, possesses great stamina and both the horse and Tabitha Worsley fared well separately over the National fences two years ago. When the family bought him off Michael O'Leary he joked: "One day he will win the National." There's an omen!

Conor McGinn MP, shadow minister of state for security
It's Anibale Fly for me. He has coped well on his two Grand National outings and looks favourably handicapped.


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


Alice Plunkett, ITV Racing
I fancied Kimberlite Candy last year and I fancy him again. He comes into the race in the same sort of form and seems to have all the right credentials.

Clare Balding, television presenter
I'd have suggested Minella Times when he was 33-1. . . and even more so now the gamble is on. The last time that happened with Don't Push It, they were bang on. I hope Rachael Blackmore can do it for JP.

Megan Nicholls, jockey
My National tip is Kimberlite Candy. He's got experience over the fences, finishing second in the Becher twice, and he looks like he'll stay all day. If he can get into a nice rhythm, I think he'll have a good chance.


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


Oli Bell (left) with ITV Racing colleagues Luke Harvey and Alice Plunkett
Oli Bell (left) with ITV Racing colleagues Luke Harvey and Alice PlunkettCredit: Mark Cranham

Felix Francis, author
My tip for the National is Cloth Cap. Trevor Hemmings, who always wears a cloth cap, would become the single most winning Grand National owner with four wins if Cloth Cap can do it, and I can’t think of anyone who deserves that accolade more. Trevor is a wonderful man who has done so much for racing. I will be cheering him on.

Willie Carson, former jockey and BBC presenter
A horse who has done well in the past is always a good guide – so I like Magic Of Light.

Robert Bathurst, actor
I want Tom Scu to win on Cloth Cap but Anibale Fly each-way for value and the fact that Tony Martin pulls rabbits out of hats. The horse had been off for a long time before his last outing so something could be up.


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?

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

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

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


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