Expert Picks for Grand National Glory: 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, with each member selecting their top three contenders for Aintree's showpiece 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. Other prominent contenders in the market include Coral Gold Cup winner Panic Attack, last year's third-place finisher Grangeclare West, and JP McManus' trio of Jagwar, Johnnywho, and Iroko. "I'm backing Imperial Saint to win the Grand National this year, given his impressive course form on the Mildmay course, not over the National fences. He excelled in a competitive handicap at this meeting last year and appears to be suited for a marathon trip, making him an attractive choice at his current price. I also want to include Johnnywho, the Ultima winner at the Cheltenham Festival, on my team, as past winners of that race have a remarkable record in the Grand National. The introduction of cheekpieces seemed to have a positive impact on him, and he ran an impressive race in the Grand Sefton over these fences, while also being well-weighted following his Cheltenham victory. To complete the trifecta, I will support Iroko, who ran a creditable race in last year's Grand National and has performed well this year, winning at Ascot before a disappointing outing in the Ultima at Cheltenham. Although he has been raised in the weights, a recent wind operation appears to have helped him, and I believe he could be a strong contender. I have identified eight trends that can aid in finding the Grand National winner, and Johnnywho fits perfectly into these trends, ticking numerous boxes. My second choice is Final Orders, who, although two years too old, has the ideal rating and weight, and won his last outing. Having previously won at Cheltenham in the Cross Country, I am confident in his chances. For my third pick, I have selected Spanish Harlem, who, although ticking fewer boxes than the others, is a massive price and could outperform his odds. Despite pulling up last time, he has had four runs and tends to race prominently, which is ideal for this event. I think he is underestimated from the Willie Mullins yard. My first selection is Monty's Star, whose last win was in December 2023, but he has been competing at a high level recently. His last run was a respectable effort at the Dublin Racing Festival, albeit on ground that may not have suited him. Henry de Bromhead has a strong record in the Grand National, 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 compelling story in the Grand National, with trainer Connor King having only two horses in training, including this one, owned by JP McManus. He has shown bits and pieces of form and has improved with each start, including a notable run at Cheltenham. A longer trip could bring out the best in him. My third choice in the race is Captain Cody, who won the Scottish National last year. He appears to be suited for the trip and has been targeted for this event since his Scottish National victory. If he can establish a rhythm early on, he has a good chance. Other contenders include Favori De Champdou and Perceval Legallois.