The Grand National is the most popular horse racing event of the year when it comes to betting. Aintree’s feature contest is a race that so many look forward to in the spring. Although the final 40 runners have not been finalised, the weights have been revealed, so now is a good time to study the field and come up with some selections. Here is a look at two horses that should interest you in the race this year.
Secret Reprieve (14/1)
One of the most progressive chasers in training this season has been Secret Reprieve. He has gone from a mark of 130 to 144 after just three outings over fences.
Secret Reprieve has done it in the Coral Welsh Grand National Handicap Chase at @Chepstow_Racing #ITVRacing pic.twitter.com/EJCR2cO1Qt
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) January 9, 2021
Evan Williams’ runner became a big Grand National contender when he prevailed in the Welsh version of the race at Chepstow. He put to bed any doubts about his stamina, scoring by three lengths in the 3m6½f contest.
Secret Reprieve is 16/1 in the 2021 Grand National odds online on Paddy Power. Those odds are likely to shorten much further once he is confirmed for the race. He has been given a weight of 10st 1lb which will be one of the lowest allocations in the field. One of the things that stands out about Secret Reprieve is that he is adaptable on different grounds. He has form on heavy, soft, and good conditions. This means whatever the going is on the day of the race, he should have no problems with it.
Williams has come so close to Grand National glory with Cappa Bleu and State of Play. He has a great chance this year of finally getting into the winner’s enclosure with this talented horse who remains open to improvement.
Magic of Light (20/1)
Irish horse Magic of Light showed his liking for the Grand National fences when she finished second in the race behind Tiger Roll in 2019. Jessica Harrington’s runner was as big as 66/1 but she outran those odds to come home just over two lengths behind the defending champion. Since she finished up runner-up at Aintree, Magic of Light has been in good form. She has prevailed on three occasions, with her biggest success being in the Grade Two Mares’ Hurdle at Ascot in January 2020.
The 10-year-old was last victorious back in December in a mares’ chase at Newbury. That was a Listed contest over 2m7½f. She then finished second behind Roksana on her switch back to hurdles in the race she won 12 months earlier. Magic of Light is now rated at 156 which means she will need to carry 2lb more on her back in the Grand National this year.
There is a strong argument to say she is a better horse than she was two years ago, so the handicapper has been lenient on her. Harrington’s chaser is 20/1 in the ante-post betting for the race. She will not have Tiger Roll to beat this year as the dual winner has withdrawn.
This year’s Grand National is set for the 10th of April in what will be the 173rd running of the world’s most famous steeplechase. Why not check out this Grand National beginners guide if you are new to participating in the biggest race of the year.
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