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Fancy an outsider? Our experts give their best Grand National longshots

MON MOME Ridden by Liam Treadwell at  wins the Grand National at Aintree 4/4/9photograph by John Grossick
Mon Mome won the 2009 Grand National at odds of 100-1. Which runners might cause a shock on Saturday?

Freewheelin Dylan defied odds of 150-1 to win the BoyleSports Irish Grand National on Monday and the Randox Grand National at Aintree is no stranger to some big-priced horses winning or hitting the frame. With that in mind, three Racing Post experts picked out a longshot to consider for Saturday's famous race.

'He could be crying out for some good ground'

There is no doubt that Cloth Cap and Burrows Saint set the standard in this year's Grand National, but siding with the two market leaders shows little imagination. The Grand National often produces a shock result and it might be wise to look for something at a bigger price.

The first of two horses overlooked in the market is Class Conti, who remains unexposed for trainer Willie Mullins and caught the eye with creditable efforts in the Thyestes Chase and Leinster National earlier this season. A mark of 149 is workable and he could be crying out for some good ground.

Reliable veteran Anibale Fly is also worth a second glance. Fourth in 2018 and fifth in 2019, Tony Martin's runner has solid course-and-distance form to his name and may bounce back off his falling mark.
Tom Collins, tipster

Anibale Fly: can improve on previous fourth- and fifth-place finishes in the Grand National
Anibale Fly: fourth and fifth in his two previous attempts in the big raceCredit: Alain Barr (racingpost.com/photos)

'The 50-1 available still looks value'

Some Neck needs two more to come out but should sneak in at the foot of the weights.

I've backed him at 66-1, but the 50-1 available still looks value with firms generally offering six places.

He's been revitalised by the switch to cross-country races since joining the shrewd John McConnell, and I'm surprised he is not shorter after an excellent third in the Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham last time where he finished ahead of the similarly priced Alpha Des Obeaux off level weights.

The 144-rated Some Neck gets 8lb from Alpha Des Obeaux this time and running off 10st 1lb on the decent ground he enjoys can see him go really well granted a bit of luck in running.
Robbie Wilders, tipster

Mister Malarky (Harry Cobden,left) runs on from the last fence and wins the Good Luck Hollie In SPOTY Silver Cup Handicap ChaseAscot 19.12.20 Pic: Edward Whitaker/Racing Post
Mister Malarky (left): ran well at Kempton last time and could be the right type for thisCredit: Edward Whitaker

'40-1 underestimates his claims'

Second favourite Burrows Saint is my idea of the Grand National winner, but one outsider who makes each-way appeal is Mister Malarky.

After winning a Grade 3 handicap chase at Kempton last year, trainer Colin Tizzard said: "He is an ideal horse for the spring and a really good staying handicapper. We will no doubt be talking about him as a National horse next year."

Things have not gone entirely smoothly since, bar victory in the Silver Cup at Ascot in December, but Mister Malarky was a very encouraging third after wind surgery in the aforementioned Kempton event in February.

That was a nice stepping-stone to the National and a best price of 40-1 with bet365 may just underestimate his claims.
Jack Haynes, reporter


Read more National stories here

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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.


Published on 7 April 2021inNews

Last updated 12:29, 7 April 2021

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