Grand National betting: 2026 Aintree Manifesto contenders and tip

Ahead of the 2026 Grand National, Coral previews all of the races taking place at Aintree, continuing with the Manifesto Novices’ Chase on Thursday, April 9.

2026 Manifesto Novices’ Chase contenders and tip

With a small field of five runners and one clear standout, this race isn’t hard to decipher. 

Lulamba jumped off as the favourite for the Arkle at Cheltenham, having been unbeaten in three previous starts over fences. Unable to add another victory onto his record, though, he was beaten by Kargese, showing a chink in his armour for the first time. He tops the ratings in this company by 12 pounds, though, and is certainly the best and most consistent horse in the race, despite still being just a five-year-old. He will be very popular for Nicky Henderson.

Henry De Bromhead’s Koktail Divin has plenty of ability, but has yet to show that he is capable of winning a Grade One race. This trip, though, of two and a half miles, could be his secret weapon as his best opponents step up from two miles and could hit a weak spot in the final half mile.