The Grand National is the biggest race not just in jumps racing and not just in the UK but in the world and it’s fast approaching once more with the showpiece setting off on April 11th at 4pm.Picking out Grand National winners is often a hard task but recent years have shown recent form has been the key.talkSPORT BET have you covered with Tom Lunn’s racing tips on all the day’s action!talkSPORT BET Betting Offer – Bet £10 Get £40 In Free Bets! – CLAIM HERE*There are currently 69 runners entered into this year’s Grand National, before it’s whittled down to just the 34 runners for the off.In late March the second set of scratchings will take place to help punters narrow down their choices for their best Grand National bets.Choosing a horse for the National has changed in recent years in line with the major changes to the festival for horse welfare.With 34 runners it helps narrow down the selection for punters and sweepstake players.But organisers of the race have also heightened the threshold for better horses to compete, meaning those that do run will naturally be better proven jumpers.Trends are still vital to look at but a big focus should also be on the last two renewals, when the key changes were first implemented.The 2024 winner went to trainer Willie Mullins with Paul Townend up on I Am Maximus as the 7/1 favourite.The year after it was a huge win for Mullins again and his son who rode Nick Rockett to victory at 33/1.Both horses had previously shown great jumping ability, staying power and crucially performing at a high level.Grand National 2026: Key declaration datesThe following are the next stages for the 2026 renewal at Aintree scheduled for 11th April at 4pm.February 11: Weights announced.March 3: First scratchings deadline (12pm)March 24: Second scratchings deadline (12pm)April 6: Final confirmations (12pm)April 8: Final declarations (10am)Grand National tipsAs Mullins has won the last two Nationals he’s of course got to be fancied to win again, coupled with the fact he had yet another phenomenal Cheltenham Festival.We of course wait to see who jocks up on which runner, with the Townend choice going to be the most interesting.Will he opt for previous winner I Am Maximus or will he choose Grangeclare West?Iroko was set to be a major player but after his disappointing run in the Ultima, he’s drifted massively in the odds having been favourite in the ante post for quite some time.Jagwar fits the bill in many respects though, he has placed close up in each of his last three starts.Has potential to rise in the weights as a chaser, still young and progressing all while having nearly gone on to win the Ultima, only denied by half a length.The JP McManus-owned horse was beaten narrowly by Johnnywho, who has of course been cut in the odds for the National.He is still a bigger price than Jagwar despite clearly benefitting from a wind op.Jagwar 12/1The Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerrerio-trained horse has long been considered as a top horse in the making.At just seven he’s still got time to reach higher than he’s achieved and it was clear he stays and jumps well.When he was a hurdler he only won once and struggled if anything to really live up to the expectations that connections saw of him.But now over fences he’s won four from eight, including four placed efforts in some of the biggest races over 2m4f.Upped for the first time beyond 3m at Cheltenham Festival last time out, he’s proven he’s clear of a few rivals and has the benefit of escaping a rise in the weights from that run.Much like the route that the 2023 winner Corach Rambler took and made the most out of.Spillane’s TowerHowever, there’s another JP McManus-owned horse that also appeals as a big each-way price.Spillane’s Tower was a non-runner at Cheltenham for the Gold Cup due to the ground, but has performed well of late over fences.This Walk In The Park gelding placed close behind Fact To File back in November 2024, second to Galopin Des Champs in April, similar form to I Am Maximus.His win over L’Homme Presse in January at Cheltenham was further evidence of his ability to stay but I think could benefit from even further.talkSPORT BET Boosted Favourites30 minutes before the start of every UK & IRE race, we are boosting either the favourite or 2nd fav to win!Get the latest price boosts here18+. Bet on a Price Boost market for specific horse race & if your selection wins, we’ll pay out at the boosted odds. Max benefit applies. Click for T&Cs. GambleAware.orgTom Lunn’s Horse Racing Profit & LossMarch ’26: +18.9ptsFrom October ’25: +45.05ptsFrom March ’25: +96.28ptsFrom Oct ’23: +406.13ptsAll odds correct at time of writingtalkSPORT BET Betting Offer – Bet £10 Get £40 In Free Bets! – CLAIM HERE*Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. 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