Grand National preview and five top selections 2026
How I chose these Grand National sleepers and fancies
My approach blends form lines, stamina profiles, weight, ground preference and trainer/jockey patterns to identify horses with realistic staying claims. Betting should be viewed as entertainment only; 18+ and gamble responsibly.
My five Grand National selections and full notes
All this week has been building up for this moment. 40 horses, 30 fences, 10 minutes. The wildest, most exhilarating, most watched race in the world is back. The Grand National. Everyone will have their own picks, from the colour of the silks, to one with a good name, it’s a lottery. Here are my five picks for the national, that I think will come home the strongest.
MAIN PICK: DIOL KER – 80/1
I have had my eye on this horse for a while now. The more I read into him, the more I think he’s got a shot of finishing in, at least, the top five. His run in the Grand National trial wasn’t great, but it seemed he needed it softer. Bottomless ground is his forte, and the ground should be soft on Saturday for him. That soft ground form, and the big distance he’ll run says he will stay for the whole trip. Noel Meade, the trainer, hasn’t also said that the track at Aintree will suit better than Punchestown. He has national experience, winning the Leinster National in 2022 off a mark of 137. He’s off 149, but his weight is under 11st, which is always a good sign for a debutant in the National.
NEXT BEST: CORACH RAMBLER – 10/1
He’s been antepost for such a long-time, and only was backed out of favouritism on Friday morning. But that doesn’t take away how good this horse is. Two Ultima chases, which was where the winner came from last year, and his relentless staying power makes him a fan favourite. Derek Fox will have to ride him to a career best to win the race, as usually he’s held up from the back, and sometimes you’d like to be a bit closer to the front in the National. Too far out the back can often leave you outpaced. But Corach Rambler knows his race tactics, and could deliver a performance similar to his 2022 Ultima win. Out the back at halfway, and stays on late in the day to win. The whole of Scotland will cheer on Corach Rambler in Liverpool on Saturday.
RANK OUTSIDER: ESCARIA TEN – 100/1
His mark might not look interesting, but then you look at his weight and suddenly it makes for a bit more appeal. 1lb lower mark than last year, but 5lbs lower in the weights than last year, may make up for his ninth placed finish. He got round the course fine, but cracked at the second last and wandered over the line. The relaxing in the weights makes a bit more appeal, and after his debut he’ll know his way round that bit better. Gordon Elliott was tight-lipped, but said he goes better over longer trips. He’s right, in a way. He finished second as a novice in the 3m 6F National Hunt Cup and likes testing ground, showing that he is an outright stayer. His weight makes appeal for him to cross the line, and finish the race better than he did last year, for me.
PINSTICKER: THE BIG BREAKAWAY – 40/1
If you know nothing about the National, or any of the 40 horses, then this horse might make appeal. He finished second in the Welsh National this year, which is always a good sign. A horse that has competed in Nationals, or longer trips, always perform well in the National. He pulled up last toe, but that could be due the big weight he was given to carry that day. In the national he’s carrying a stone less than he did at Cheltenham, and remains at the same mark of 151. A big distance and a player on soft ground, Joe Tizzard can go one better than his father and win the Grand National.
EMOTIONAL ENDING: GALVIN – 20/1
Last year, Sam Wahley-Cohen announced he was leaving the saddle 24 hours before he was due to ride Noble Yeats. 24 hours later he won the Grand National on Noble Yeats. And history could repeat itself. Davy Russell announced a shock retirement on a mundane Sunday at Thurles. Jack Kennedy then broke his leg at Naas, prompting the two-time Grand National winner to come out of retirement until the end of the season. In what should be his last Grand National ride, he rides Galvin. He put in a sterling effort to finish behind Delta Work in the Cross-Country at Cheltenham, which has been a go to race for winners of this race. He seems to have the make-up of a National horse, but given that it his debut he doesn’t have a better jockey on board to win with than Davy Russell.
Whoever you are on this Grand National the very best of luck!
Why not check out my selections for the other races on Day Three! Click the link here
All prices are with William Hill – Official Betting Partner of the Grand National.
Key factors when assessing Grand National runners today
Distance form is critical because Aintree’s unique trip exposes any stamina limitations, so give weight to consistent staying performances over three miles plus. Recent jumps form and course experience matter too, but a single weak run in testing ground should not be fatal if past form shows deep-ground aptitude.
How ground conditions and distance influence National form
Soft or heavy going turns the race into a stamina test and elevates horses who have proven form in similar conditions, especially those who get the long trips comfortably. Conversely, a horse that excels on quicker ground might struggle to sustain a finishing effort when the ground is testing, so factor ground preferences into each selection.
How to interpret betting odds and realistic expectations
Odds reflect market perception and bookie liability rather than guarantees; long prices can offer value but also indicate risk, while short prices typically signal consistent top-level form. Back responsibly, manage stakes to entertainment budgets, and never treat betting as a way to solve financial issues.
Trainer, jockey and weight trends to watch before betting
Trainers with a history of placing in big staying chases and jockeys who judge stamina are worth extra consideration, as are combinations showing consistent finishing runs over distance. Weight matters hugely in handicap Nationals; small drops in burden or a jockey claim can translate into meaningful performance gains over four miles in testing ground.
How each of my five picks suits specific race scenarios
Diol Ker appeals on heavy ground and under a lighter weight which could make him an each-way proposition if the ground stays soft, while Corach Rambler’s relentless finish suits a race that turns into a stamina slog. Escaria Ten and The Big Breakaway look like horses who improve for the trip, and Galvin brings the jockey experience that could extract a peak effort on the day.
Weight, age and prior finishing positions explained simply
Lower carried weight in a big-field handicap can offset a less consistent formline, particularly where stamina is proven, whereas older horses with recent solid finishes over staying trips often provide a steadier profile. Look at finishing positions in heavy-ground chases and long-distance handicaps to gauge whether a horse is likely to last the National trip.
What soft ground and stamina indicators tell us
Indicators such as in-running stamina, running on strongly late and prior wins in heavy conditions point to a horse that can endure Aintree’s demands, especially over fences two miles beyond typical staying chases. Also note horses that have been targeted at big spring Nationals by their trainers, as campaign design can indicate readiness.
Tactical suggestions for sensible Grand National staking
Consider spreading stakes across a small number of selections rather than backing many longshots; small each-way stakes can be more sustainable for entertainment purposes. Always set a pre-defined budget, stick to it, and use bookmaker comparison tools to check prices rather than chasing losses.
Responsible betting reminders for readers
This content is for information only and not advice to gamble; wagering carries risk and is for persons aged 18 and over only. If you’re concerned about your gambling, please contact GamCare or use self-exclusion and staking limits provided by licensed operators.
FAQs about the Grand National selections and betting approach
Q: Are these selections guarantees to win?
A: No. Horse racing is unpredictable and there are no guaranteed outcomes; these are informed opinions for entertainment only.
Q: Should I bet on all five selections?
A: That depends on your budget and risk appetite; consider using small, controlled stakes and prioritise horses that match your criteria.
Q: How important is the ground for these picks?
A: Very important; several of the picks have proven ability on soft or testing ground, which can materially affect finishing chances.
Q: What does each-way mean and is it relevant here?
A: Each-way means backing a horse to win or to place; it can be a sensible option in big handicaps like the National where long-priced horses can earn place money.
Q: Is trainer experience at Aintree a decisive factor?
A: Trainer experience at Aintree is valuable but not decisive alone; combine it with form, ground preference and jockey bookings for a fuller picture.
Q: How should I manage my bankroll on big-race days?
A: Set a fixed entertainment budget, stake only what you can afford to lose and avoid increasing stakes after losses; maintain discipline and use bookmaker limits if needed.
Q: Are the prices mentioned still current?
A: Prices change in the market; check live bookmaker comparisons before placing any bets as odds move with betting activity.
Q: Where can I find tools to compare bookmaker offers and free bets?
A: Our bookmaker comparison pages list current offers and free bet promotions so you can see terms and decide responsibly before betting.
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