Why Tiger Roll is justified ante-post favourite for the 2021 Grand National

There are several great events for racing fans to look forward to this year, with the Cheltenham festival the next big one in the calendar.

Whilst that will provide us with a few days of great entertainment, the standout race in 2021 for many is the Grand National. And, it’s easy to see why. This is a race that is steeped in history, attracts royal interest and brings the biggest trainers and jockeys together as they seek the ultimate glory.

Winning the race at Aintree will be the pinnacle for many in the sport, and an early look at the latest horse racing betting odds shows that Tiger Roll is the 20/1 early joint-favourite. Of course, the 10th of April is a long way away, but here we explain why he is a justified favourite.
He is proven

Tiger Roll emulates great Red Rum to win back-to-back Grand National https://t.co/rc6y6Ltboc pic.twitter.com/hDSzLenz7f

— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) April 6, 2019

The 10-year-old is favourite for the Grand National for a reason – he has delivered at this stage before. Wins in 2018 and 2019 show the class of Tiger Roll, and even if he doesn’t secure another win, his place in racing history is assured.

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Only seven horses have won this iconic race on multiple occasions, and he would join Red Rum in the record books if he can make it a third. However, unlike Ginger McCain’s brilliant horse of the 70s, Tiger Roll would become the first-ever to make it a hat-trick of Grand National successes, if he is victorious in April.

Davy Russell’s guidance

As you would expect for a top-quality horse, Tiger Roll will also be under the guidance of an excellent jockey in Davy Russell, who would surely get the nod from trainer Gordon Elliott to lead.

The Irishman has enjoyed a magnificent career, which includes winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris. They are among many more notable victories, along with his double Grand National success with Tiger Roll.

Therefore, the prospect of trying to make history for Elliott won’t faze Russell, and there won’t be any concerns about whether he can handle the pressure that may arrive on the day.

Is it a formality?

Two-time Grand National winner Tiger Roll was pulled up as Kingswell Theatre won the Cross-Country Chase at Cheltenham’s November meeting.

Tiger Roll hasn’t won since claiming a second Grand National in April 2019.

More: https://t.co/w3ogPMBBKu pic.twitter.com/eP3IVMJUO9

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 13, 2020

Despite the excitement, there does have to be one note of caution. Tiger Roll pulled up on his last outing, which is why his odds suddenly dropped. Where he was once the clear favourite in the ante-post betting, he is now part of a pack of fancied options.

Any immediate concerns were eased by Elliott on Twitter, as he confirmed that their checks showed the horse wasn’t in a bad way, but it is still a worry. Nevertheless, it’s something to monitor closer to the event, but the intention from the trainer is to let Tiger Roll compete, in what could be his final outing.

Ultimately, the Grand National is a great spectacle no matter what, but 2021 could be extra special. After last year’s race was postponed, there will be real anticipation for this one, and the main talking point will centre on whether Tiger Roll can complete a stunning hat-trick. If he goes into the race without any problems, it would take a brave person to back against history being made.

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