Expert Tips for the 2026 Randox Grand National

The world's most prestigious steeplechase has arrived once again. The Weekend Winners team is back to preview the 2026 Randox Grand National, with each member selecting their top three contenders for Aintree's showcase event. A maximum field of 34 runners has assembled, led by 2024 winner I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend. Coral Gold Cup winner Panic Attack, last year's third-place finisher Grangeclare West, and JP McManus' trio of Jagwar, Johnnywho, and Iroko are also prominent in the market. "I'm backing Imperial Saint to win the Grand National this year, given his impressive course form on the Mildmay course. He excelled in a competitive handicap at this meeting last year and appears to be suited for a marathon trip, making him an attractive bet at his current price. "I also want to include Johnnywho, the Ultima winner at the Cheltenham Festival, on my team. Winners of that race have a strong record in the Grand National, as seen with Corach Rambler's victory a few years ago. The first-time cheekpieces seemed to boost his performance at Cheltenham, and he ran a great race in the Grand Sefton over these fences, making him six pounds well-in from his Cheltenham win. "To complete my trio, I'll choose Iroko, who ran a creditable race in last year's Grand National. He's had a solid year, winning at Ascot before a disappointing outing in the Ultima at Cheltenham. Although he's higher in the weights than last year, the wind operation seems to have helped him significantly, so I believe he could be a strong contender. "Using eight key trends to identify the winner of the National, I'm confident in Johnnywho's chances, as he ticks many boxes. My second selection is Final Orders, who, despite being two years too old, has the ideal rating, weight, and comes into the race on the back of a win. He's previously won at Cheltenham in the Cross Country and will be prominent without leading, making him a strong candidate. For my third pick, I've chosen Spanish Harlem, who, although ticking fewer boxes, is a massive price and could exceed expectations. He pulled up last time out 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 first choice is Monty's Star. Although his last win was in December 2023, he's been competing at the highest level lately. His last run was a respectable effort at the Dublin Racing Festival on ground that may not have suited him. Henry de Bromhead has an excellent record in the race, and this horse fits the right profiles to win, with a nice mark that could see him shorten in the odds. "Oscar's Brother could be a fascinating story in the Grand National, with trainer Connor King having only two horses in training, including this JP McManus-owned contender. He's shown improvement in all his starts, with a notable run at Cheltenham, and could benefit from the step up in trip. "My third selection is Captain Cody, who beat me in the Scottish National last year. He seems likely 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. Catch the full Weekend Winners show on the At The Races YouTube channel.