THE FACTS
When does the 2021 Randox Grand National Festival take place? Thursday 8th April – Saturday 10th April, 2021
What time does the Doom Bar Maghull Novices’ Chase start? Saturday 10th April, 2021 – 15:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for the 2021 Randox Grand National Festival? The 2021 Randox Grand National Festival will take place without spectators
What TV channel is the 2021 Randox Grand National Festival on in the UK? ITV will be televising the event along with Racing TV
Where can I stream the 2021 Randox Grand National Festival in the UK? The event can be streamed live on ITV Hub, while Racing TV subscribers can also live stream the action
THE LOWDOWN
Shishkin further enhanced his rising stock with yet another winner at the Cheltenham Festival last month when recording a comfortable success in the Arkle. He will go in search of an eighth straight victory and he looks unbeatable, especially with only four rivals to see off in this race.
It is likely to be a case of which horse gets closest so Shishkin rather than who beats him but Funambule Sivola could be the one to finish in second. Longhouse Sale had been performing well before he was pulled up at Sandown last time out and while he probably needed that run, he will have to go some to get in front of Venetia Williams’ horse. Funambule Sivola has been extremely consistent this season and has finished in the frame in all but one of his six races.
THE PREDICTION
Shishkin is the obvious choice here but he is plenty short enough and while he is fully expected to win, it could pay to look in the market without the favourite. It is a small field so it will not take much to finish in second and preference is for Funambule Sivola. He has won a couple of decent handicaps of late and looks the pick of the rest of the field behind Shishkin.
Tip: Funambule Sivola @ 5/2 (without Shishkin)