Expert Picks for the 2026 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 Aintree's flagship event. A maximum field of 34 runners has assembled, with 2024 winner I Am Maximus leading the betting for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend. Coral Gold Cup winner Panic Attack and last year's third-place finisher Grangeclare West are also prominent in the market, alongside JP McManus' 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. He excelled in a competitive handicap at this meeting last year and appears to be crying out for a marathon trip, making him an attractive bet. Johnnywho, who won the Ultima at the Cheltenham Festival, is another top pick, as winners of that race have a strong record in the Grand National. The first-time cheekpieces significantly improved his performance, 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 the trifecta, I'll be backing Iroko, who ran credibly in this race last year and has performed well this year, winning at Ascot before underperforming in the Ultima at Cheltenham. Although he's up in the weights from last year, the wind operation has greatly helped him, and I believe he could be a strong contender. I have identified eight key trends that can help find the winner of the National, and these horses fit the right profiles. I'm particularly confident in Johnnywho's chances, as he perfectly fits into the trends, ticking plenty of boxes. My second selection is Final Orders, who, although two years too old, has the perfect rating, weight, and was a winner last time out. He has won at Cheltenham in the Cross Country and will be prominent without leading, making him a great pick for this year's race. For my third pick, I've chosen Spanish Harlem, who, although ticking fewer boxes than the others, is a massive price and could outrun his odds. He did pull up last time but has had four runs and races prominently, which is ideal for this race. I think he is underestimated from the Willie Mullins yard. My first selection is Monty's Star, who, despite not having won since December 2023, has been competing at the highest level in recent times. His last run was a fair effort at the Dublin Racing Festival on ground that didn't suit him, but Henry de Bromhead has a great record in the race, and this horse fits all the right profiles to win. He's off a nice mark, and I can see him shortening. 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 bits and pieces of form and has improved in all his starts, with his run at Cheltenham being particularly 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 and appears to be well-suited for the trip. He has been targeted for this race since then and has a good chance if he can get into a rhythm early on.