2021 Grand National: one key runner from each of the five ITV races on Saturday

ITV will broadcast five live races from the 2021 Grand National meeting at Aintree on Saturday. The action on National day features some top runners, notably Shishkin, and the big race (5.15) itself, and we've got you covered for the day's terrestrial TV coverage.

Grand National Saturday: ITV Racing tips

Our Spotlight experts select their best bets for day three of the Grand National festival

2.25 Aintree
Betway Mersey Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1), 2m4f

Harry Skelton has been in excellent form as he bids for a first jockeys' championship and has a leading chance on My Drogo, who has won his last three starts, including when landing a Grade 2 at Kelso. The market suggests his main rival will be Ballyadam, who finished second in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: Ballyadam

Second in the Supreme last time; big player on ratings and looks ready for a crack at 2m4f

Doom Bar Maghull Novices' Chase (Grade 1), 2m

Shishkin is the star attraction as he puts his unbeaten chase record on the line after comfortably winning the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival last month. His trainer Nicky Henderson landed this race with dual Champion Chase winner Sprinter Sacre in 2012.

SPOTLIGHT TIP:

Plenty in hand in the Arkle and another easy win should be on the cards today

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

Ryanair Stayers Hurdle (Grade 1), 3m½f

Thyme Hill missed the Cheltenham Festival through injury but is back to renew his rivalry with Paisley Park, who beat him by a neck when they last met in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot in December. Trained by Philip Hobbs, Thyme Hill will be partnered by Tom O'Brien for the second time after the retirement of Richard Johnson.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: Diol Ker

Others have stronger form but this Irish raider is well worth a second look

Free Grand National tips: five horses to back in Saturday's big race

4.15 Aintree
Betway Handicap Chase (Grade 3), 3m1f

Happygolucky attempts to go one better after finishing second in the Ultima at the Cheltenham Festival for Kim Bailey and David Bass. He was beaten by Vintage Clouds and his main rival at Aintree could be another Trevor Hemmings-owned runner in Cloudy Glen, who was also second at the festival in the Kim Muir for Venetia Williams.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: Happygolucky

Promising hurdler who has taken very well to fences; good second over 3m1f at Cheltenham

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

Randox Grand National Handicap Chase (Grade 3), 4m2½f

Cloth Cap heads the market after winning the Ladbrokes Trophy and the Listed Premier Chase at Kelso on his most recent start. He will be ridden by Tom Scudamore, whose grandfather Michael won the famous race in 1959 on Oxo. Their chief danger could be Burrows Saint, who won the 2019 Irish Grand National for trainer Willie Mullins.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: Takingrisks

Won Scottish National (4m, good) two years ago; back on song in a big way last time out

Best bookmaker offers and enhanced places for the Grand National

• Sky Bet are paying six places instead of four on the Grand National. Sign up to a new account to take advantage of the offer here
• Back one horse, get one horse for free. That's Paddy Power's offer for new customers in the Grand National. Click here for full terms and conditions
• Get a free bet for every race at Aintree on Saturday by signing up for a new 888 account. Full details here
• Place a bet on the Grand National and get a free bet on Sunday. This offer is available for new William Hill customers, full terms and conditions here
• Sign up to a new bet365 account to take advantage of all their industry leading horseracing offers including paying five places, 1-4 odds on the Grand National. To sign up follow this link
• Betfair have a free bet bundle available for new customers. Find out more here
• Get six places when betting with Coral on the Grand National. If you don't have an account, sign up here
• If you don't have a Ladbrokes account and want to place bets on the Grand National then sign up here, they're paying six places on the race

Best ITV Racing free bets

New customers can get a £10 free bet from Paddy Power for the Grand National. Place a £10 bet on any Sportsbook market, at odds of at least 1.5 (1-2), and we'll give you £10 in free bets. Free bets are valid for 30 days and must be used on a Sportsbook market. Free bets will be awarded after the qualifying bet has been settled. Only deposits made via cards or Apple Pay are eligible. T&Cs apply.

ITV7 tips and predictions

The ITV7 competition is back and is free to play, with a potential £50,000 on offer. Users will need a Sky Bet account to enter, so if you don't already have an account, sign up using this link and take advantage of the free bet offer.

Race 1, 2.25 Aintree: BALLYADAM
Race 2, 2.33 Newcastle: EMISSAIRE
Race 3, 3.00 Aintree: SHISHKIN
Race 4, 3.05 Newcastle: WYE AYE
Race 5, 3.35 Aintree: DIOL KER
Race 6, 4.15 Aintree: HAPPYGOLUCKY
Race 7, 5.15 Aintree: TAKINGRISKS

Check out the Racing Post Grand National microsite for the latest tips and odds for the big race. The best Grand National betting advice and exclusive free betting offers all in one place.

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

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

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

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

Who do our experts fancy for the Grand National?

For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets