Grand National 2026 Preview: Tips, Selections and Best Bets
The greatest steeplechase in the world. Four miles, two furlongs, 30 fences, 40 runners. The Grand National is many things – chaotic, glorious, unpredictable – but it is never boring.
Aintree has delivered its usual dose of drama across the week. Now it all comes down to this.
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The Trends
The trends point firmly in one direction this year. When 18 of 18 key trends align on a single horse, you pay attention.
Here is what the numbers say about the last 15 winners:
- Ran in a race of 20+ runners – 15/15
- Ran in a handicap chase – 15/15
- Last ran since the turn of the year – 15/15
- Top five finish in either of last two runs – 15/15
- Aged 8 or above – 14/15
- 3-5 runs that season – 14/15
- No more than 19 chase starts – 13/15
- Top 5 last time out – 13/15
- Won or placed at Grade 3 or above – 13/15
- Won over 3m+ – 13/15
And the additional filters:
- First start in the race – 15/17
- Aged between 7-9 – 10/10
- Fell twice or less during career – 26/28
- SP 14/1 or shorter – 6/8
The Selections
JOHNNYWHO (NAP)
Meets every single one of those trends. All 18 of them. That alone makes him the standout horse in the race.
He was impressive at Cheltenham last time, winning a race that has thrown up National winners before – Corach Rambler (2023) and Noble Yeats (2022) both used it as their prep. The winning margin flattered the runner-up more than it reflected Johnnywho’s superiority on the day.
He gets in off a feather 10st 4lbs – a significant weight advantage in a 40-runner slog. He has experience of these fences from the Grand Sefton. His trainer knows the race inside out. Everything lines up.
He tends to hunt around the first circuit before being produced late, and that patient style suits Aintree perfectly. Hard to look past him.
OSCARS BROTHER
A novice, yes – but these unique conditions have a habit of unlocking horses that conventional tracks cannot. He scores 16/18 on the trends and is the most progressive horse in the race.
In the last decade, that profile – lightly raced, progressive, first run in the race – has worked particularly well over these fences. The JP McManus colours have won this race before, and Oscars Brother is the stable’s second string with reason.
Worth each-way consideration at the likely price.
MONTY’S STAR
Brings a stack of Grade 1 form to the table. The handicapper may have handed him a chance off 159, and his Leopardstown form at Christmas puts him right alongside Grangeclare West on ratings.
He stays this trip. He’s got the class. The key is how he’s ridden – prominent and confident is what you want to see. If he gets behind in a race this big, it’s a concern. Trust the jockey to read it right.
Third pick, but not by much.
Honourable Mentions
GRANGECLARE WEST is rock solid and very hard to leave out. He was third here last year and the form is well established. The issue is twofold – his price is short enough to dampen returns, and he was third last year (15 of the last 17 winners were having their first run in the race). Respected, but left out on staking grounds.
PANIC ATTACK scores 16/18 on the trends and the market hasn’t overlooked her. She’s 10, and mares don’t have a brilliant record here. Passed over at the odds.
GORGEOUS TOM has an attractive profile and should he prove his stamina over this trip – his biggest question mark – he could figure in the finish. Each-way each-way sprinkle at best.
National Selections in Order
- Johnnywho (NAP)
- Oscars Brother
- Monty’s Star
- Grangeclare West (honourable mention)
Good luck for the big one.
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