Grand National 2021 tips: Templegate’s best bets for huge race TODAY at Aintree

WE have had two days of incredible action from Aintree – now it’s time for the big one.

The Grand National is back.

Notoriously difficult to predict, SunSport’s top tipster Steve Mullen – Templegate to you and me – has been studying the form for months.

He brings you his top tips below – don’t forget, download our brilliant sweepstake kit to play with your friends as well.

DOWNLOAD YOUR GRAND NATIONAL SWEEPSTAKE KIT HERE

BURROWS SAINT (5.15 Aintree, nap – best bet)

He won the Irish version two years ago and has improved since. Willie Mullins has trained him for this race and he warmed up with a solid second at Fairyhouse.

He was beaten by stablemate Acapella Bourgeois that day and he has a massive each-way shout too at big odds. Stamina is no issue with him.

MY DROGO (2.25 Aintree, nb – next best)

He kept up his 100% record over hurdles when winning by almost ten lengths at Kelso last month. That was a Grade 2 contest but he made them look like trees. This extra quarter-mile holds no fears and there is a lot more to come.

TEA CLIPPER (1.45 Aintree, treble – chuck in for a big win)

He ran a cracker when third in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham and that has been a stepping stone to this race many times. Tom Lacey’s six-year-old finished off strongly over the 2m5f trip and this extra stamina test will be right up his street.

Templegate has a pick in every race at Aintree today.

AINTREE

1.45     Tea Clipper (treble)     

Cracking third in Coral Cup at Cheltenham and trip will suit.

2.25     My Drogo (nb) 

Keeps improving and can handle this hike in class.

3.00     Shishkin           

Superstar who can win this without getting out of first gear.

3.35     Thyme Hill       

Missed Cheltenham so comes here fresh with big chance.

4.15     Happygolucky 

Consistent and went close in the Ultima at Cheltenham.

5.15     BURROWS SAINT (NAP)          

Irish National winner who stays and has a touch of class.

6.20     Balco Coastal  

Hammered his rivals at Kempton and much more to come.

Don’t forget, there are more races going on around the UK on Friday and Templegate has a pick in those too.

CHEPSTOW

12.30   Getaway Luv   

Had plenty in hand when scoring at Ludlow last time out.

1.00     Sackett            

Back to his best when winning well at Fakenham latest.

1.35     Imphal 

Coming down the weights and this looks wide open.

2.10     Kaproyale        

Solid third at Wetherby and this longer trip should suit.

2.45     Saint De Reve  

Good second at Newbury and this looks a little easier.

3.20     Ginistrelli         

Going well when taking a tumble latest and can bounce back.

4.00     Young O’Leary 

Ran on strongly to score last time and will relish this stamina test.

4.35     Don Alvaro      

Can take step forward on debut for Paul Nicholls.

LINGFIELD

12.55   Reeceltic         

Didn’t get the best of runs at Kempton and has more to offer.

1.25     Lethal Blast     

Needed comeback run last time and will be fitter today.

2.00     Newyorkstateofmind  

Won the last time today’s jockey was on board.

2.40     Secret Victory 

Has been running well in better races than this.

3.15     Where’s Tom  

Improved effort at Kempton latest and 3lb rise looks fair.

3.50     Brunel Charm  

Takes a fair drop in class today which should do the trick.

4.25     Ajrad   

Been knocking on the door and should be right there again.

4.55     Princesse Animale      

Two cosy wins here last month and can land the hat-trick.

NEWCASTLE

1.15     Franks Fancy   

Drops back to last winning trip and should improve for it.

1.53     Tortuga Bay    

Improved to win here last time and can go close again.

2.33     Our Cilla          

Went close here last time and looks on fair weight.

3.05     Wye Aye          

Has good strike-rate over fences and has more to offer.

3.40     Swaffham Bulbeck      

Fair bumper form and should be right in the mix.

4.10     Defi Sacre        

Plenty in hand when winning at Ascot last time out.

4.45     Old Jewry        

In good hear at present with two good runs at Carlisle.

5.30     Ballycrystal      

Showed some promise when fifth at Market Rasen latest.

WOLVERHAMPTON

5.05     Omany Amber 

Has shown best form here and on fair mark.

5.40     Crazy Spin       

Battled well at Chelmsford and can give another good account.

6.15     Wakening        

Won good race at Newmarket on debut and should be too good.

6.45     Golden Rules   

Won easily at Chelmsford and fair mark for handicap debut.

7.15     Churchill Bay   

Showed some promise last season and likes this trip.

7.45     Heptathlete     

Good run here last time and has good claimer taking off 7lb.

8.15     Muftakker       

Good run at Newcastle and has decent form around here.

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org

---

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org