Grand National Tips 2026: Katie Midwinter's runner-by-runner guide and 1-2-3-4-5-6 prediction for the Aintree showpiece

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1. I Am Maximus ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The 2024 winner was beaten only by stablemate Nick Rockett when attempting to retain his title twelve months ago. He put in a gallant effort in defeat and is only 1lb higher this year, 9lb above his mark when successful in the race, but he's also a year older and could be vulnerable to an improver.

The 10-year-old put in a brilliant effort at Grade One level in the Savills Chase, however, outrunning his odds of 50/151.00 in the process, and has the talent required to put in another bold bid for Willie Mullins. Any rain would likely help his cause.

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2. Nick Rockett ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (NON-RUNNER)

The defending champion led home a Closutton 1-2-3 in last year's renewal, putting in an excellent performance under Patrick Mullins to claim the prestigious trophy. He's only 4lb higher this time around and remains capable of showing some further improvement, lightly raced having been seen only once this term when a decent third at Down Royal last month.

The nine-year-old holds leading claims once again and demands a spot on the shortlist with proven form in the race. He's ground versatile and appears on a workable mark having beaten the former champion by two-and-a-half-lengths twelve months ago.

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3. Banbridge ⭐⭐

A classy performer and completely unexposed in handicaps, Banbridge would be suited by a sounder surface and has the talent to defy a mark of 167 in handicap company. He was only narrowly denied in the King George VI Chase by The Jukebox Man, just beating subsequent Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Gaelic Warrior to the runner-up spot, proving he retains plenty of ability following a few below par efforts in previous runs.

Third in the Ryanair Chase when last seen, he's a Grade One performer at his best, however, he failed to fire in the Cheltenham showpiece over an extended 3m2f last season, and lacks form over further than three miles. The trip is unknown and a concern but he is a top class chaser on his day.

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4. Grangeclare West ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Third behind Nick Rockett and I Am Maximus last year, he coped well with the new challenge of Aintree but lost momentum at the last which may have cost him second-place at the least. He rallied well and finished best of the beaten horses in the closing stages, catching the eye, and is only 3lb higher with the benefit of experience this time around.

Another class angle in the field, he has proven his stamina and prepared well for the race with success in the Bobbyjo Chase, a race that has proved a successful stepping stone for future Grand National winners in the past, including for the previous two champions. Solid chance.

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5. Gerri Colombe ⭐⭐⭐

Second to Grangeclare West in the Bobbyjo Chase before taking a step forward at Down Royal when last seen, beating the returning Nick Rockett in the process, Gerri Colombe is an interesting contender in the race. He's another classy performer on his day having landed Grade One honours at Aintree, among other tracks, in the past.

His last top level success was in the Bowl Chase at this course, and he has spent long periods off since. Whether or not he has retained the vast majority of his ability remains to be seen, but he's impossible to rule out considering the ability he possesses on his day, as proven at this meeting previously.

Stamina is an unknown over this marathon distance, but he has won over 3m2f therefore could be able to cope with further. Another runner who will likely prefer some rainfall.

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6. Haiti Couleurs ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Already a winner of the Irish and Welsh equivalents, Haiti Couleurs is bidding to add another Grand National prize to his name in the most prestigious version of them all. He was pulled up when attempting to make all in the Cheltenham Gold Cup when last seen, but should be better suited by this challenge and had previously recorded two facile successes, including a Grade Two at Newbury.

Rebecca Curtis' stable star will have to defy a 12lb rise from his Chepstow success, 25lb higher than when winning at Fairyhouse, but has proven to be progressive and could be capable of showing extra improvement. Tenacious and gutsy, he's a strong stayer with proven form in tough, competitive handicaps.

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7. Spillane's Tower ⭐⭐⭐ (NON-RUNNER)

Eight-year-old gelding Spillane's Tower landed Grade Two glory in the Cotswold Chase when last seen, before being withdrawn from the Cheltenham Gold Cup on account of drying ground. He's a dual Grade One winner over fences and is completely unexposed in handicaps, potentially capable of a big run from a rating of 164 if conditions suit.

There could be further improvement to come from the son of Walk In The Park for trainer Jimmy Mangan, who saddled Monty's Pass to glory in the 2003 Grand National.

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8. Firefox ⭐⭐⭐

Sixth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup when last seen following a creditable fourth in the Leopardstown equivalent at the Dublin Racing Festival, Firefox is an intriguing contender from a rating of 160 having shown snippets of top class ability. Most of his form is over shorter distances, but he stayed on well enough to make the frame over an extended three miles at Grade One level in his penultimate start and is unexposed as a stayer.

Others have more solid form, particularly over the staying distances, but the Cullentra representative is only an eight-year-old making his 11th chasing start, and remains open to further improvement.

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9. Monty's Star ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A solid performer over fences who may just fall short at Grade One level, Monty's Star could take well to this new challenge and has shaped as a promising stayer previously. He's unexposed in handicaps, although was unable to make an impression at Newbury earlier this term, and could be well treated from a mark of 159.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained gelding has form with the likes of Fact To File and Spillane's Tower, and emerged with great credit from last season's Irish Gold Cup when amongst tough opposition. He's a potential dark horse in this field and warrants a second glance.

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10. Spanish Harlem ⭐⭐

From a mark 20lb higher than his last win when successful in the Kerry National earlier this term, Spanish Harlem faces a stiff task at the weights for Willie Mullins. He looked the likeliest winner when unseating at the last in the Thyestes in his penultimate start from a mark of 150, however, with 7lb claimer Sean Cleary-Farrell in the saddle, attempting to defy an 11lb rise, but is 9lb higher than that here in tough company.

A stiff test of stamina should suit the strong stayer and has amassed plenty of valuable experience in big field handicaps, but he may be carrying too much weight and could find others better handicapped. He's an imposing type, a good-looking chestnut, who could be able to find further improvement now as an eight-year-old, therefore cannot be ruled out despite being on a career high mark.

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11. Lecky Watson ⭐⭐

A surprise 20/121.00 winner of the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last term, Lecky Watson has struggled for form since, failing to make an impression in any of his four appearances this term. Despite this, he's only 1lb lower rated than when making his return this term, putting him in with a potentially stiff test at the weights considering the form he has shown recently.

The eight-year-old is completely unexposed in handicap company, however, and could enjoy this new challenge, but significant improvement is required and he's difficult to fancy on current form. This is only his ninth start over fences and he has proven Grade One level form, therefore clearly possesses class, and a resurgence of form is possible for a master trainer in Willie Mullins.

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12. Champ Kiely ⭐⭐⭐

Champ Kiely was only narrowly denied on his reappearance at Grade Three level this term, beaten by Malina Girl at Naas, but has struggled to make an impression in his two latest runs, after slipping up at Leopardstown in December. He was a Grade One winner at Punchestown last term, beating Ballyburn convincingly over the 3m1f trip, and this extra distance could suit on that basis.

There are plenty of stayers in the family and a mark of 157 could be workable in handicap company. A horse with plenty of class on his day, he could be the type to enjoy this new challenge and may be flying under the radar for a strong Closutton team.

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13. Iroko ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fourth in last year's renewal when sent off as the 13/27.50 favourite, Iroko stayed on well proving his credentials in this race and, with an extra year of experience and development in his favour, should be able to put in a similar effort as an eight-year-old this time around. 

He scoped dirty following a disappointing effort at the Cheltenham Festival when last seen, but had previously beaten Firefox and subsequent winner James Du Berlais at Ascot, following a creditable second on reappearance to a future King George VI Chase winner in The Jukebox Man. 

With solid form and having run well in the race previously, Iroko holds leading claims for the training partnership of Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, and a mark of 157, 5lb higher than last year, appears workable.

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14. Favori De Champdou ⭐⭐⭐

Second in the Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham when last seen from this mark of 157, Favori De Champdou failed to justify 2/13.00 favouritism but put in a brilliant effort in defeat from a mark 8lb higher than when winning at the track in January, 17lb higher than when a shock 66/167.00 winner at Leopardstown over the Christmas period.

He has been hugely progressive this season and has taken well to cross country fences, proving his stamina credentials and emerging in the form of his life despite being an 11-year-old.

Whilst he could prove vulnerable to a younger improver, the Gordon Elliott-trained runner appears to still be improving himself despite being in the twilight of his racing career, and, on recent form, he warrants serious consideration.

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15. Three Card Brag ⭐⭐

Second to Panic Attack at Newbury in November when rated 1lb lower, following a Cheltenham win from a mark of 149, Three Card Brag appears potentially well treated at the weights despite failing to fire at Fairyhouse when last seen. 

If able to bounce back from his latest run, the nine-year-old could improve on last year's effort in the race when finishing 11th to Nick Rockett. He's 10lb higher but has improved his level of form in appearances during the first half of this campaign, therefore may have progressed plenty in twelve months and could show the improvement required to put in a better performance in his second trip to Aintree.

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16. Oscars Brother ⭐⭐⭐

Eight-year-old gelding Oscars Brother is three from six over fences having been performing consistently well since making his Rules debut over the larger obstacles when second to Western Fold last May. He recorded a hat-trick of wins when landing his second Grade Two at Navan in February, beating The Wallpark in convincing fashion, and emerged with credit when fourth to Kitzbuhel in Grade One company at the Cheltenham Festival last month. 

The Connor King-trained contender faces a stiff task as a novice in this contest, but is rapidly improving and remains unexposed with the scope for further progression. A mark of 155 could prove lenient in time as the ceiling of his ability is unknown, but he does lack experience in comparison with many of his rivals and has stamina to prove over this marathon distance.

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17. Mr Vango ⭐⭐

Mr Vango has struggled for form in recent runs but has been attempting to give away a huge amount of weight in both of his latest outings including in the Eider Handicap Chase when last seen at Newcastle.

Earlier this season, the popular 10-year-old was only narrowly denied by Twig in the Becher at Aintree, putting in an excellent effort despite suffering defeat on that occasion. He copes well with the fences and is a strong stayer, with proven form over 4m2f having won the Midlands Grand National off top weight last season.

A solid contender considering his proven stamina credentials and class, he'd likely need softer conditions to be seen to his optimum but, if able to bounce back to form, he could be staying on strongly in the closing stages.

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18. High Class Hero ⭐⭐

Pulled up in his latest two runs, High Class Hero has had some excuses for his previous couple of efforts but plenty of further improvement is required. On previous form, however, he could run a solid race for Willie Mullins having put in a creditable performance behind Resplendent Grey over an extended 3m4f at Sandown last term, following a close defeat in a Grade Three Thurles contest.

As a novice hurdler, he was just touched off by the talented Dancing City at Grade One level, and is capable of showing further progression in only his eighth run over the larger obstacles under Rules. He's a point winner who has shown promise as a staying chaser, therefore could be able to outrun his odds if on a going day.

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19. Stellar Story ⭐⭐⭐

Point winner Stellar Story beat The Jukebox Man to provide a shock at 33/134.00 as a novice hurdler at the Cheltenham Festival in 2024, before making a successful start over fences the following season. He finished second to Lecky Watson in the Brown Advisory last year, before finishing third to Champ Kiely in a Grade One Punchestown Festival contest, running well at the top level in novice company.

This term, the Cullentra representative hasn't fired in three starts but was a decent third in the Betfair Chase at Haydock before placing in the Bobbyjo Chase when last seen. A mark of 153 could be lenient for an unexposed performer in handicaps who has shown top level form.

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20. Beauport ⭐⭐

Ten-year-old gelding Beauport makes his second appearance following a wind operation which could spark a resurgence in form from the Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies-trained runner.

He has proven stamina in his favour as he lines up in the race for the second year running, having previously won the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter, but could only manage 12th at Aintree twelve months ago, well beaten.

Now rated 3lb lower, he could put in a better showing this time around but is more exposed than many of his rivals and will need to show significant improvement.

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21. Captain Cody ⭐⭐⭐

Last year's Scottish Grand National winner, Captain Cody, is rated 12lb higher in the Aintree equivalent. He has proven stamina but will need to defy a rise in the weights if he is to be competitive in this contest.

When last seen, he finished a well beaten fifth in the Bobbyjo Chase but was sent off as the 7/24.50 for the Thyestes in January, falling early on in that race. He was far from disgraced from a 2lb lower rating when behind Favori De Champdou at Leopardstown, which bodes well for his chances over a longer distance in this contest, and could be capable of a bold showing, still open to further improvement in only his tenth chasing appearance.

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22. Jagwar ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jagwar was only narrowly denied in the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival when last seen, a race which has been used as a successful preparation for Aintree in the past by Corach Rambler. He proved he remains well treated at the weights from a mark of 152 that day, given a 5lb rise subsequently, putting him in with strong claims at the weights here if able to see out this extra distance.

An imposing type, he has been staying on well late in his races, shaping as a promising stayer whilst gaining valuable experience. He remains on an upward trajectory and clearly possesses plenty of talent, therefore should hold leading claims for a team also represented by another live chance in Iroko.

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23. Perceval Legallois ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A faller when sent off at 10/111.00 in last year's renewal, Perceval Legallois is one to note from a 2lb higher mark, still unexposed as a National horse coming into this contest. He hasn't enjoyed the best preparation so far this term, but the Gavin Cromwell yard wasn't in the best of form at the beginning of the term and he could fare much better this spring.

Last season, the nine-year-old was progressive, landing a valuable handicap from a mark of 142 in convincing fashion at Leopardstown over Christmas, before winning another competitive handicap over hurdles at the Dublin Racing Festival. He didn't get much luck at Aintree, but could be worth another chance and is difficult to discount.

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24. Gorgeous Tom ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Still unexposed as a stayer, Gorgeous Tom is another classy contender likely still on an upward trajectory who could be well treated at the weights from a mark of 151. He finished a good fourth to Panic Attack at Newbury earlier this term from the same rating, catching the eye from the rear of the field in his first handicap start over fences, before emerging with credit when fifth at Leopardstown last month

His preparation runs should hold him in good stead coming into his first Grand National, and he shaped as a promising stayer over 3m2f in a big field handicap. He'll need to prove his stamina over an extra mile, but has plenty of class, having held his own at Grade One level previously, and remains lightly raced with the scope for further progression as an eight-year-old making his tenth chasing start.

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25. The Real Whacker ⭐⭐

The Real Whacker beat Gerri Colombe to Grade One glory at Cheltenham as a novice chaser in 2023, proving his class and talent on that occasion, but has lacked consistency since then, returning to the winners' enclosure on only one occasion when beating Bravemansgame at Wetherby last season.

He has struggled to see out his race in both of his latest two runs, but performed with credit over hurdles on his return to action at Perth in September and finished fourth to Gaelic Warrior in the Bowl at the meeting last year.

A mark of 151 could be lenient if taking into consideration his best form, and he's unexposed in handicaps over fences, possibly capable of faring better in this sphere. Further improvement is necessary, however, and he has to significantly return to form in this new challenge for Patrick Neville.

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26. Quai De Bourbon ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Quai De Bourbon finished a creditable third to O'Toole at Leopardstown when last seen over an extended 2m5f, and runs from only a 1lb higher mark here. He was pulled up in both of his previous two runs, including when sent off as the 3/14.00 favourite in the Troytown at the beginning of the term but may have needed the outing after a 209-day break.

Last April, the Willie Mullins-trained contender was sent off as the 11/26.50 favourite for the Irish Grand National when finishing third to Haiti Couleurs from a mark of 148. He is only 3lb higher here having proven his stamina credentials over that trip at Fairyhouse, and is only a seven-year-old capable of improving beyond his current mark. 

If turning up at the best of his ability, he holds a solid chance at the weights and could be a surprise package in the field.

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27. Answer To Kayf ⭐⭐⭐

A good winner of the Troytown Handicap Chase at Navan earlier in the season, Answer To Kayf is 9lb higher in this contest having finished fourth in both of his two runs since, including in the Bobbyjo Chase behind Grangeclare West. 

He has performed consistently well generally in three starts this season, following on from a sixth-placed effort in a 23-runner handicap at the Punchestown Festival last term, and could hold each-way claims if seeing out this extra distance well enough.

In only his ninth start over the larger obstacles, having also placed in a point-to-point, he's another runner in the field capable of showing further progression and this test could suit as he's related to a number of staying types.

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28. Jordans ⭐⭐⭐

A talented novice chaser last term who beat Monbeg Park to Grade Three glory at Punchestown before chasing home the likes of Impaire Et Passe and Caldwell Potter, respectively, at Grade One level, Jordans shaped with plenty of potential. 

Trained by Joseph O'Brien, he has been unable to build on a promising debut campaign this term, but he's only 2lb higher than when fifth to Jagwar in the Plate as a result, which could allow him to put in a threatening effort if coping with the extra trip.

Potentially well treated at the weights and open to further progression, he may be capable of a bold showing but will need to bounce back from his recent efforts.

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29. Final Orders ⭐⭐⭐

Final Orders was an impressive winner of the Cross Country at the Cheltenham Festival last month, adding to his earlier course-and-distance win this term and improving on a fifth to Favori De Champdou in his penultimate start.

He defied a 9lb mark on that occasion, making him well treated currently on a rating of 147 with enough evidence to suggest he should see out this extra distance.

The 10-year-old has taken well to this new discipline and has a huge amount of chasing experience in his favour, including in big field handicaps. He's proven from his current rating and over long distances, therefore warrants consideration for trainer Gavin Cromwell.

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30. Marble Sands ⭐⭐

A four-length winner of an extended 3m3f handicap at Cheltenham's November Meeting, Marble Sands is now rated 5lb higher on the same mark as when second to Konfusion when last seen. He's unexposed over this marathon distance but shaped with great promise over a staying trip in his penultimate start which bodes well for his chances in the race.

Whilst he was unable to make an impression in the Topham twelve months ago, he has been running consistently well this term and could be capable of better over this extended distance from a mark which could prove workable enough.

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31. Panic Attack ⭐⭐⭐

Dan Skelton-trained mare Panic Attack recorded a hat-trick of wins earlier this term including two big handicaps at Cheltenham and Newbury respectively. She was no match for Dinoblue over an extended two-and-a-half-miles at Cheltenham, but a step back up in trip should suit and she could still be progressive over fences in only her tenth chasing start.

A mark of 147 is 8lb higher than her latest handicap win, when landing a valuable pot in a 24-runner handicap, beating Three Card Brag by six-and-a-half-lengths in convincing fashion. The rise may not be enough to deter her, and, although she must prove herself from a higher mark over a longer distance, she remains unexposed and capable of showing further improvement.

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32. Top Of The Bill ⭐⭐

Top Of The Bill finished second to Grand Geste from a 2lb lower mark in the Grand National Trial when last seen at Haydock, improving significantly on his previous effort at the venue in December. He had previously won on his return to action from a mark of 138, beating Saladins Son by seven-lengths over an extended 3m1f, but, although 9lb higher than his latest victory, has proved his credentials from a stiffer mark since. 

Having stayed on well over an extended 3m4f when last seen, there shouldn't be too many stamina concerns for the Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies-trained contender, but whether or not he has the class to land a prize of this magnitude remains to be seen.

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33. Johnnywho ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The 18/119.00 winner of the Ultima Handicap Chase when last seen beating Jagwar by half-a-length, Jonjo and AJ O'Neill-trained Johnnywho is well treated from a mark of 146 in his second run following wind surgery, which could spark further improvement. He had run well in the Kim Muir last year at the Cheltenham Festival when narrowly denied on 140, and, with a stamina-laden pedigree as well as proven form over 3m2f, should be suited by this extra distance.

There's plenty to like about the nine-year-old's chances on the back of an excellent win last month, and he's an interesting contender following the same route as previous Ultima winner Corach Rambler.

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34. Twig ⭐⭐

Winner of the Becher Chase over the National fences in December, Twig defied the odds to narrowly deny Mr Vango at a price of 18/119.00 on that occasion. He had lined up in last year's renewal of this contest when finishing tenth at odds of 50/151.00, and may face another tough test from the same mark, but does have the benefit of experience this time around as well as a more preferable preparation this term with two wins from three starts.

Whilst further improvement will be required to better last year's position, the 11-year-old has clearly taken a liking to the fences and has winning form on the course which should hold him in good stead.

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35. Imperial Saint ⭐⭐

Imperial Saint was well backed to win the Peter Marsh at Haydock over an extended 3m1f in his penultimate start, prevailing by a neck over Richmond Lake on that occasion. He's rated 3lb higher now, but could only manage eighth to Johnnywho in the Ultima from his current mark and will need to find further improvement if making the final field on Saturday. 

The eight-year-old has been progressive as a staying chaser, slowly upped in trip having won over the minimum distance of two miles at Aintree twice in his first two starts over the larger obstacles under Rules. There could be more to come from him over this extra distance and he has shaped with promise as a stayer, whilst also possessing speed over shorter distances too.

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36. Amirite ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Likeable gelding Amirite landed a valuable staying handicap at Kilbeggan last summer having often threatened to claim a big pot, finding a few rivals too good on a number of occasions previously. He has amassed plenty of valuable experience in big field, staying handicaps over fences in recent seasons which should hold him in good stead and a sounder surface will be in his favour.

A mark of 144 is workable for the 10-year-old, if making the final field, as he's 2lb lower than when a good fourth to Western Fold in the Galway Plate, and he performed well over the fences in the Topham last year therefore has proven himself over the obstacles previously.

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R37. Ain't That A Shame ⭐

Veteran performer Ain't That A Shame has been seen only once since finishing a creditable sixth to I Am Maximus in the race two years ago. He was a late faller at Kelso when last seen, making his return to action following a lengthy absence, therefore has to prove he retains ability and enthusiasm. At his current age, he's likely to find this a tough task but is rated 8lb lower than in his previous appearance in the race and has run well in it before which is a positive.

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Katie Midwinter's Grand National Prediction

1. I Am Maximus

2. Iroko

3. Grangeclare West

4. Monty's Star

5. Gorgeous Tom

6. Quai De Bourbon

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