Grand National 2021 tips: Templegate’s best bets for DAY TWO of the blockbuster festival including Marsh Chase on Friday

TEMPLEGATE turns his eagle eye to Friday’s racing at Aintree, looking to build the bank ahead of the Grand National.

SunSport’s tipster has been poring over the form all year and brings you his top selections below.

POLITOLOGUE (3.25 Aintree, Nap – best bet)

He has been first and second in the past two runnings of this race and can keep up that excellent record. He was pulled out of the Champion Chase at Festival with a nosebleed minutes before the off so comes here fresh.

His form this season has been good after winning the Tingle Creek and running second in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot. His front-running style is ideal for Aintree and he’ll be right there again.

LEONCAVALLO (5.15 Aintree, nb – next best)

He was a good sixth in the Martin Pipe at the Cheltenham Festival but is effectively 7lb lower today thanks to his rider’s claim and a little drop in the weights.

He was too free early on which may be why he didn’t charge up the hill. Coming back to two miles at this flat track should sort out that problem and he’s a major player again.

CHANTRY HOUSE (2.50 Aintree, treble – chuck in for a big win)

He was a rare bright spot for Britain at the Cheltenham Festival when cashing in on Envoi Allen’s fall to take the Marsh Novices’ Chase with a fair bit in hand.

He steps up in trip by half a mile today and that looks a wise move because he bounded up the hill at Prestbury Park. He goes on any ground and there should be more to come from Nicky Henderson’s seven-year-old.

AINTREE

1.45     Edwardstone   

Good run in the County Hurdle and should be right there again.

2.20     Third Time Lucki         

Went too soon at Cheltenham and this track should suit better.

2.50     Chantry House (treble)           

Impressive winner at the Festival and can improve again.

3.25     POLITOLOGUE (NAP)  

Proven Grade 1 performer who has won this race before.

4.05     Pink Eyed Pedro          

Has jumped the fences before and looks a big price for a place.

4.40     Bravemansgame         

Good third in the Ballymore last time and looks the clear pick.

5.15     Leoncavallo (nb)         

Went well at Cheltenham and has dropped down weights.

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

LEICESTER

1.00     Angel Bleu       

Expensive buy and trainer can get them ready at home.

1.35     The Pretty Way           

Going well on the all-weather and can score again.

2.10     Unforgotten    

Gone close on both starts so far and doesn’t need a lot more.

2.40     Dirty Rascal     

Went close at Donny before a smooth Wolver win last time.

3.15     Boss Power     

Had plenty in hand when scoring at Wolverhampton latest.

3.55     Atacamena      

Going close on the AW and can take another step forward.

4.30     Modmin          

Lots of promise last season and should be ahead of handicapper.

SEDGEFIELD

2.00     Bellaney Gem  

Beaten in a head-bobber at Kelso and can go one better.

2.30     Court Jurado   

Consistent over fences and still looks on a fair mark.

3.05     La Mystere      

Better than she showed last time and yard in good form.

3.47     Dutch Canyon 

Coming down weights and has run well here before.

4.22     Ciarabella        

Improved effort over this course and distance last time out.

4.55     Agent Valdez   

Unlucky last time and likes this sort of trip.

5.30     Getaway Jewel            

Knocking on the door and this race looks pretty weak.

KEMPTON

4.35     Prontissimo     

Promise on debut here and should take a step forward.

5.05     Serenhill          

Improved on debut effort when third here last time out.

5.40     Orderofsuccession      

Nicely bred and should know her job on debut.

6.10     Almost You     

Went close in a big field latest and the champ takes over on top.

6.40     Phoenix Star    

Good second at Newcastle and prefers this course and distance.

7.10     Breath Of Sun 

Two smooth successes so far and has more to come.

7.40     Taqareer         

Improved on comeback at Donny and should be too good.

8.10     Hold Fast         

Unlucky not to land a hat-trick of wins at Lingfield last time.

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