The world’s best steeplechase is upon us as soon as once more!
The Weekend Winners group are again to preview the 2026 Randox Grand National – every nominating their prime three for Aintree’s showpiece.
A most subject of 34 runners have assembled for the race, with 2024 winner I Am Maximus heading the betting for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend.
Coral Gold Cup winner Panic Attack can also be distinguished available in the market, alongside final yr’s third Grangeclare West and JP McManus’ Jagwar, Johnnywho and Iroko.
Declan Rix…
“I’m siding with an outdated pal to win the Grand National this yr in Imperial Saint, who has actually good course type not over the National fences, however on the Mildmay course. He actually got here alive in a aggressive handicap at this assembly final yr. He appears like he’s crying out for a marathon journey and he’s overpriced.
“Johnnywho – who gained the Ultima on the Cheltenham Festival – I would like on my facet as winners of that race have a fantastic file in right here, with Corach Rambler touchdown this race a couple of years in the past. The first time cheekpieces actually sharpened him up that day and he ran a cracker within the Grand Sefton over these fences and he is six kilos effectively in from his Cheltenham win.
Johnnywho returns to motion at Aintree on Saturday
“To fill the frame, I will side with Iroko, who ran with plenty of credit in this race last year. He has run really well this year, winning at Ascot before disappointing in the Ultima at Cheltenham. He’s up in the weights on last year but the wind operation has helped him a lot, so I think he could be bang there.”
Declan’s 1-2-3
1st Imperial Saint
2nd Johnnywho
third Iroko
Kate Tracey…
“I have eight trends that help try and find the winner of the National and these horses hopefully meet the right profiles. I’m really confident on the chances of Johnnywho who perfectly fits into the trends, ticking plenty of boxes.
“Final Orders is my second choice. He is 2 years too outdated however he has the proper ranking, good weight and was a winner final day out. He has been seen to win at Cheltenham within the Cross Country and might be distinguished with out main. I actually like his possibilities for this yr’s race.
“Rounding off the third of my picks will be Spanish Harlem, who ticks less boxes than the ones above but 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.”
Kate’s 1-2-3
1st Johnnywho
2nd Final Orders
third Spanish Orders
Sam Boswell…
“My first choice is Monty’s Star. You have to return to December 2023 to search out his final win, however he has been eating on the prime desk in latest occasions. The final run was a good effort on the Dublin Racing Festival on floor I do not suppose he would have appreciated. Henry de Bromhead has a fantastic file within the race and this horse suits all the proper profiles to win this. He’s off a pleasant mark and I can see him shortening.
“Oscar’s Brother could be a real story of the Grand National, with the trainer Connor King only having two horses in training with this one owned by JP McManus. He’s got bits and pieces of form and has shown plenty of improvement in all his starts. His run at Cheltenham was really good and up in trip could see him to better effect.
“My third choice within the race is Captain Cody, who chinned me final yr within the Scottish National. He appears like he ought to relish the journey and has been focused for this race since that day. He has a very good probability if getting right into a rhythm early on.”
Sam’s 1-2-3
1st Monty’s Star
2nd Oscar’s Brother
third Amirite
Grand National runners
1. I Am Maximus
3. Banbridge
4. Grangeclare West
5. Gerri Colombe
6. Haiti Couleurs
8. Firefox
9. Monty’s Star
10. Spanish Harlem
11. Lecky Watson
12. Champ Kiely
13. Iroko
14. Favori De Champdou
15. Three Card Brag
16. Oscars Brother
17. Mr Vango
18. High Class Hero
19. Stellar Story
20. Beauport
21. Captain Cody
22. Jagwar
23. Perceval Legallois
24. Gorgeous Tom
25. The Real Whacker
26. Quai De Bourbon
27. Answer To Kayf
28. Jordans
29. Final Orders
30. Marble Sands
31. Panic Attack
32. Top Of The Bill
33. Johnnywho
34. Twig
36. Imperial Saint
37. Amirite
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