Johnny Dineen and Matty Williams have shared their best bets for day one of the 2026 Grand National meeting.
Thursday’s main races include the Manifesto Novices’ Chase, the Bowl and Aintree Hurdle.
Dineen’s Picks for the Manifesto and the Bowl
Dineen is keen on Koktail Divin to upset Lulamba in the Manifesto Novices’ Chase (2.20).
Speaking on Good Morning Aintree, he said, “Koktail Divin is a sublime jumper and if he can get out in front, I can see him forcing Lulamba into making a few mistakes and jumping him into submission.”
The pro punter also weighed in on the Bowl.
He said, “The question with the favourite Jango Baie is whether he’ll produce his best run. He had a hard race in the Gold Cup last time. Impaire Et Passe isn’t convincing and the run in the Ryanair won’t have helped his chances here.
“Protektorat and Pic D’Orhy are both 11-years-old – surely they’re past it? If there was ever a no-bet race for me, this would be it.”
Williams Backs Barton Snow and Brighterdaysahead
Williams fancies Cheltenham Festival winner Barton Snow to follow up in the Foxhunters’ Open Chase (3.30).
He said, “The way he travelled at Cheltenham, I couldn’t believe it – he looked a proper tool in this division. Its On The Line is solid but he makes life hard for anyone backing him. Unexpected Party has question marks over whether he’ll perform well enough over this trip. That’s why Barton Snow gets the nod.”
Dineen agreed, saying, “With Barton Snow, you just have to be in contention at the elbow and then nudge him along and he’ll win. He has a turn of foot the others in the race don’t.”
The feature race is the Aintree Hurdle (4.05) and Williams sees Brighterdaysahead as the one to beat.
He said: “It’s a two-horse race between her and The New Lion and Brighterdaysahead is easily the most solid. She beat the Champion Hurdle winner at Leopardstown and although she was beaten at Cheltenham, the ground and track at Aintree will suit her much more.”
The 2026 Grand National is almost upon us.