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

The highly anticipated 2026 Randox Grand National is just around the corner, and the Weekend Winners team is back with their top three picks for Aintree's premier event. A full field of 34 runners is set to compete, with 2024 winner I Am Maximus leading the betting alongside Coral Gold Cup winner Panic Attack, Grangeclare West, Jagwar, Johnnywho, and Iroko. Imperial Saint is tipped to win due to his impressive course form on the Mildmay course and his potential to thrive in a marathon trip, making him an attractive long-shot bet. Johnnywho, the Ultima winner at the Cheltenham Festival, is also a strong contender, given the successful record of Ultima winners in the Grand National. His first-time cheekpieces significantly improved his performance, and he is well-positioned with a six-pound weight advantage from his Cheltenham win. Iroko, who performed credibly in last year's Grand National and has shown strong form this year with a win at Ascot, is another promising pick. Despite a disappointing run in the Ultima at Cheltenham, a recent wind operation has greatly benefited him, making him a potential dark horse. Eight key trends have been identified to help find the winner of the National, and Johnnywho fits perfectly into these trends, checking multiple boxes. Final Orders, despite being two years older than ideal, has the perfect rating, weight, and a recent win, positioning him as a strong contender. Spanish Harlem, although ticking fewer boxes, offers significant value at a high price and could exceed expectations, especially given his ability to race prominently. Monty's Star is another top pick, having competed at the highest level recently, with his last win in December 2023. His recent performance at the Dublin Racing Festival was commendable, considering the unfavorable ground conditions. With a good record in the race and a favorable mark, he has the potential to shorten in the odds. Oscar's Brother, trained by Connor King, could be a compelling underdog story, having shown consistent improvement in his starts, including a notable run at Cheltenham. Captain Cody, with his potential to relish the trip and having been targeted for this race, rounds out the top selections and could capitalize on getting into an early rhythm. Other mentions include Favori De Champdou and Perceval Legallois, highlighting the depth and competitiveness of this year's Grand National field.