Expert Picks for Grand National Glory: Imperial Saint and Johnnywho Lead the Charge

The most anticipated steeplechase event of the year is finally here. The Weekend Winners team is back to share their top picks for the 2026 Randox Grand National, with 34 talented runners vying for the top spot. I Am Maximus, the 2024 winner, is currently leading the betting, closely followed by Coral Gold Cup winner Panic Attack, Grangeclare West, and JP McManus' Jagwar, Johnnywho, and Iroko. One expert is backing Imperial Saint to win, citing his impressive performance in a competitive handicap at the same meeting last year. He believes Imperial Saint is 'crying out for a marathon trip' and is currently overpriced. The same expert is also tipping Johnnywho, who won the Ultima at the Cheltenham Festival, to come out on top. They point to the strong record of Ultima winners in the Grand National, including Corach Rambler, and believe Johnnywho's first-time cheekpieces will give him an edge. To round out the top three, the expert is choosing Iroko, who ran a credible race in the Grand National last year and has shown significant improvement this year, including a win at Ascot. Despite being up in the weights, Iroko's recent wind operation has made a notable difference, making him a strong contender. Another expert has identified eight key trends that can help predict the winner of the National and believes Johnnywho fits the profile perfectly. Their second choice is Final Orders, who, despite being two years too old, has the ideal rating, weight, and recent win. The expert's third pick is Spanish Harlem, who may not tick all the boxes but is a massive price and has the potential to outrun his odds. Although he pulled up last time, he has had four runs and tends to race prominently, which is ideal for this event. A different expert is backing Monty's Star as their top choice, citing his strong performance at the top level, including a fair effort at the Dublin Racing Festival. Henry de Bromhead's excellent record in the race and Monty's Star's nice mark make him an attractive option. Oscar's Brother is another horse to watch, with a talented trainer and owner combination, and a notable improvement in his recent starts. His run at Cheltenham was particularly impressive, and the step up in trip could bring out the best in him. Lastly, Captain Cody is being tipped as a potential dark horse, having been targeted for this race since his win in the Scottish National last year. If he can get into a rhythm early on, he has a good chance of success.