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

The world's most prestigious steeplechase has arrived, and the Weekend Winners team is back to preview the 2026 Randox Grand National, each selecting their top three contenders for the Aintree showpiece. A maximum field of 34 runners is set to compete, with 2024 winner I Am Maximus heading the betting for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend. Coral Gold Cup winner Panic Attack is also prominent in the market, alongside last year's third Grangeclare West and JP McManus' Jagwar, Johnnywho, and Iroko. "I'm backing an old favorite to win the Grand National this year, Imperial Saint, who has impressive course form on the Mildmay course. He excelled in a competitive handicap at this meeting last year and seems to be crying out for a marathon trip, making him a great value at his current price. "I also want Johnnywho on my side, as winners of the Ultima at the Cheltenham Festival have an excellent record in this race. The first-time cheekpieces really brought out the best in him, and he ran a great race in the Grand Sefton over these fences. He's also six pounds well-in from his Cheltenham win. "To complete my top three, I'll be siding with Iroko, who ran a creditable race in this event last year. He's had a strong season, winning at Ascot before a disappointing outing in the Ultima at Cheltenham. However, the wind operation has greatly helped him, and I believe he could be a strong contender. "Using eight key trends to identify the winner, I'm confident in Johnnywho's chances, as he perfectly fits the profile, ticking many boxes. My second selection is Final Orders, who, despite being two years too old, has the ideal rating and weight. He was a winner last time out and has experience winning at Cheltenham in the Cross Country. I'm optimistic about his chances. For my third pick, I've chosen Spanish Harlem, who, although ticking fewer boxes, is a massive price and could outrun his odds. He pulled up last time but has had four runs and tends to race prominently, which is ideal for this event. I think he's underestimated from the Willie Mullins yard. "My top selection is Monty's Star. Although his last win was in December 2023, he's been competing at the highest level recently. His last run was a decent effort at the Dublin Racing Festival on ground that didn't suit him. Henry de Bromhead has an excellent record in this race, and this horse fits all the right profiles to win. He's off a nice mark, and I can see him becoming a shorter price. "Oscar's Brother could be a dark horse in the Grand National, with trainer Connor King having only two horses in training, including this one, owned by JP McManus. He's shown improvement in all his starts, and his run at Cheltenham was impressive. A longer trip could bring out the best in him. "My third selection is Captain Cody, who beat me in the Scottish National last year. He seems to relish the trip and has been targeted for this race since then. If he can get into a rhythm early on, he has a good chance. "Other contenders include Favori De Champdou and Perceval Legallois. Watch the full Weekend Winners preview on the At The Races YouTube channel for more expert analysis and insights.