Grand Nationwide suggestions: Imperial Saint fancied for Aintree glory

The world’s biggest steeplechase is upon us as soon as once more! The Weekend Winners crew are again to preview the 2026 Randox Grand Nationwide – every nominating their high three for Aintree’s showpiece.

A most area 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 Assault can also be distinguished out there, alongside final yr’s third Grangeclare West and JP McManus’ Jagwar, Johnnywho and Iroko.

Declan Rix…

“I am siding with an outdated good friend to win the Grand Nationwide this yr in Imperial Saint, who has actually good course kind not over the Nationwide fences, however on the Mildmay course. He actually got here alive in a aggressive handicap at this assembly final yr. He seems to be like he’s crying out for a marathon journey and he’s overpriced.

“Johnnywho – who gained the Ultima on the Cheltenham Pageant – I would like on my aspect as winners of that race have an amazing document in right here, with Corach Rambler touchdown this race a number of years in the past. The primary 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 properly in from his Cheltenham win.

“To fill the body, I’ll aspect with Iroko, who ran with loads of credit score on this race final yr. He has run very well this yr, profitable at Ascot earlier than disappointing within the Ultima at Cheltenham. He is up within the weights on final yr however the wind operation has helped him loads, so I feel he could possibly be bang there.”

Declan’s 1-2-3

1st Imperial Saint

2nd Johnnywho

third Iroko

Host Kate Tracey…

“So, I’ve eight traits that assist try to discover the winner of the Nationwide and these horses hopefully meet the precise profiles. I am actually assured on the probabilities of Johnnywho who completely suits into the traits, ticking loads of containers.

“Last Orders is my second choice. He’s two years too outdated however he has the proper ranking, good weight and was a winner final trip. He has been seen to win at Cheltenham within the Cross Nation and will likely be distinguished with out main. I actually like his probabilities for this yr’s race.

“Rounding off the third of my picks will likely be Spanish Harlem, who ticks much less containers than those above however is a large value and will outrun his odds. He did pull up final time however has had 4 runs and races prominently – which is good for this race. I feel he’s underestimated from the Willie Mullins yard.”

Kate’s 1-2-3

1st Johnnywho

2nd Last Orders

third Spanish Orders

Sam Boswell…

“My first choice is Monty’s Star. You have to return to December 2023 to seek out his final win, however he has been eating on the high desk in current occasions. The final run was a good effort on the Dublin Racing Pageant on floor I do not assume he would have preferred. Henry de Bromhead has an amazing document within the race and this horse suits all the precise profiles to win this. He is off a pleasant mark and I can see him shortening.

“Oscar’s Brother could possibly be an actual story of the Grand Nationwide, with the coach Connor King solely having two horses in coaching with this one owned by JP McManus. He is bought bits and items of kind and has proven loads of enchancment in all his begins. His run at Cheltenham was actually good and up in journey might see him to higher impact.

“My third choice within the race is Captain Cody, who chinned me final yr within the Scottish Nationwide. He seems to be like he ought to relish the journey and has been focused for this race since that day. He has a superb probability if getting right into a rhythm early on.”

Sam’s 1-2-3

1st Monty’s Star

2nd Oscar’s Brother

third Amirite

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