With the Grand National Weights Revealed on Tuesday, February 17th, we've shortlisted three contenders who look to be on the right side of the handicapper and share with you our early Grand National Tips.
The world’s most famous steeplechase will again take centre stage on April 11, with a maximum field of 34 set to compete over an extended four miles and two furlongs, plus 30 fences, for a top prize of £500,000, and this trio have been backed to challenge.
2026 Aintree Grand National Tips After Weights Revealed
Resplendent Grey
Resplendent Grey @ 33/1
Olly Murphy’s charge enjoyed a fine novice campaign last term, culminating with fourth place in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham and a valuable Sandown victory.
The eight-year-old has continued on an upward curve this season, scoring in Listed company at Carlisle and staying on for second behind Protektorat in the Fleur de Lys at Windsor, albeit being well beaten at Newbury in between.
Reacting to an allocation of 10st 11lb, Murphy said: “It’s a nice weight. When he’s good, he’s very good. He will go to Cheltenham in the meantime and we’ll see how we get on there and then make a plan re Aintree.
“Whether he’s a horse for a year down the line or for this year, I’m not quite sure yet – I’ll have to speak to his owner. But he’s a high-class horse on his day and obviously stays very well.”
Jordans
Jordans @ 33/1
Joseph O’Brien’s gelding featured in our three ante-post picks to follow at the turn of the year and subsequently ran well enough for a long way in the Thyestes Chase before being pulled up prior to the final fence on heavy ground.
With Grade One seconds at Limerick and Aintree on his CV from last term, the seven-year-old French import looks fairly treated with 11st 8lb.
O’Brien commented: “He looks like he might sneak in off a nice weight. He kind of has a profile of what the race seems to be trending towards in recent years, with a slightly younger horse.
“We know that he handles Aintree and he’ll probably run in the Bobbyjo Chase (at Fairyhouse, February 21). If he runs well there, it would be likely that he would go to the National.
“The horses seem to be trending towards being a little bit younger in the race, so that would give you a reason to be hopeful that he’d be able to overcome that.”
Lecky Watson
Lecky Watson @ 20/1
Willie Mullins has 14 entries, including the last two winners in Nick Rockett and I Am Maximus, but it is this Aintree rookie who has been all the rage.
Lecky Watson has been highly tried this term and was pulled up three out in the Irish Gold Cup after being well beaten in Grade One events at Punchestown and Leopardstown.
However, there are clearly some who remain convinced that his surprise success in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham last spring was no fluke and 11st 2lb is rated a good racing weight.
Which Of These Is The Best Grand National Bet After The Weights Reveal?
Grand National Betting Tips
Aintree Grand National Tips
Resplendent Grey @ 33/1
Jordans @ 33/1
Lecky Watson @ 20/1
Simply click/tap on the above betting tips to add to your betslip.
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