April 05 / 14.30 Aintree

14.30

Good To Soft

William Hill Handicap Chase (Registered As The Freebooter Handicap Chase) (Premier Handicap) (GBB)

  • Prize money: £56270
  • 3m 0f 210y
  • Class 1
  • 12 runners
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William Hill Handicap Chase (Registered As The Freebooter Handicap Chase) (Premier Handicap) (GBB)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £11.30
  • Place: £3.30

Form: 11-47P CD

Last run: 100 days

W: 10st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Arrived in good form when making all in this last year (good to soft); soundly beaten (hurdles) and pulled up (fences) on his two starts towards the end of last year and he returns from a break with something to prove, but he's just 3lb higher than 12 months ago and is not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

23rd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 2

16:10 Bangor-on-Dee

Cruz Control

11st 8lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Took big step back in right direction when fifth at Aintree (3m1f, good to soft) last month, in race he won the previous two seasons; still on a workable mark and has a fighting chance here if first-time cheekpieces have any positive effect.

9/4

5th

9

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Cruz Control

11st 9lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Has failed to show his form in both outings this term but a revival looks highly likely back at Aintree on return from four-month break; 2-2 over fences at this venue, namely wins in this race for the last two years (good/good to soft); had a similar prep when winning by 5l off just 1lb lower 12 months ago; commands respect in the hat-trick attempt.

11/2

OUR TIP

Form: 117134 C

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Stamina to prove on first rules run beyond an extended 2m4f but he won a 3m point in May 2023 and he's 3-3 at Aintree, with all those wins coming in handicap chases during this novice campaign (2m/2m4f, good/good to soft); could play a leading role now back here, provided he sees out the trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

36

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Imperial Saint

10st 2lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Novice campaign last season went well, notably over the conventional fences here where he registered three handicap wins (2m/2m4f) and was second at this meeting (3m1f); resumed progress with a win at Haydock (3m1f) this January but badly hampered at the Cheltenham Festival; this trip is a big step into the unknown but he needs a second look.

50/1

8th

11

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Imperial Saint

11st 1lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Progressive novice last season, winning three handicaps at Aintree (2m/2m4f, good/good to soft) and posting a good third here (2m4f, soft); won at Haydock (3m1f, good to soft) in January when back up in trip and he's unexposed over staying distances; up 3lb for that neck victory; could go well.

20/1

1st

6

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 125y

Class 1

14:00 Haydock

Imperial Saint

10st 10lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Three wins at Aintree (2m/2m4f, good/good to soft) last season and second there (3m1f, good) in April; current mark shouldn't be beyond him if he's at his best but that hasn't been the case on his two outings this term.

12/1

20/1

  • Place: £6.60

Form: PPU444 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
10yo who ran his best race for a while when fourth at his favourite course Doncaster (3m2f, good) last month, despite coming under early pressure; however, he needs to build on that performance if he's to threaten today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

15th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 3

18:55 Aintree

Erne River

11st 10lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nick Kent

Still runs well now and again but this 11yo is not as good as he was and become inconsistent.

16/1

4th

2

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 96y

Class 3

15:30 Kelso

Erne River

11st 8lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Nick Kent

Ran well for a long way when fourth at Doncaster (3m, good to soft; first-time tongue-tie) in February and remains well handicapped but this steadily regressive 11yo has become inconsistent, and others appeal more.

4/1

4th

1

27th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 3

17:05 Doncaster

Erne River

12st 1lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Nick Kent

Winless since December 2023 and pulled up over C&D in December on sole run this term; however, he may have needed that outing and is on a handy mark on last season's best efforts; has won here three times, including in these reapplied cheekpieces, and is not ruled out; the tongue-tie is a first.

10/1

Form: 2P5154 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Won at Doncaster (3m, good) in January on first run back with this yard and bounced back from a lesser performance there when 13l fourth of 23 in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham (3m2f, good to soft) last month in a first-time visor (retained); might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Weveallbeencaught

11st 6lb

J: Mr J C Barry

T: E McNamara

Disappointing at Leopardstown in December last time but in good form previously for new yard, finishing second in the Munster National in October (3m, yielding to soft); 13l fourth in this race last year when he'd have been closer but for a bad late mistake; each-way shout if back on song.

16/1

11

19th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

16:15 Limerick

Weveallbeencaught

11st 0lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: E McNamara

Won a 3m Doncaster novice handicap chase in fine style for Nigel Twiston-Davies in January; second-best of the home team when fourth behind Daily Present in the Kim Muir; can be expected to improve from stable debut at Listowel; prospects of reversing form with Talk In The Park.

8/1

3

27th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 0y

16:30 Listowel

Weveallbeencaught

11st 12lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: E McNamara

Won a 3m Doncaster novice handicap chase in fine style for Nigel Twiston-Davies in January; not a bad effort when last seen at Aintree in April; bought for 40,000GBP at Goffs in May; worth a market check on first start for new yard.

12/1

Form: 309/54 CD

Last run: 25 days

W: 10st 11lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
11yo who has raced just five times since winning this in 2021 (good to soft) for Kim Bailey; however, he was a creditable fourth of 24 behind the easy winner in the Ultima at Cheltenham (3m1f, good to soft) last month on his second start for this stable and he could be involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Happygolucky

10st 11lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Mel Rowley

11yo who has raced just five times since winning this in 2021 (good to soft) for Kim Bailey; however, he was a creditable fourth of 24 behind the easy winner in the Ultima at Cheltenham (3m1f, good to soft) last month on his second start for this stable and he could be involved.

11/2

5th

8

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Happygolucky

10st 11lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Mel Rowley

11yo who has raced just five times since winning this in 2021 (good to soft) for Kim Bailey; however, he was a creditable fourth of 24 behind the easy winner in the Ultima at Cheltenham (3m1f, good to soft) last month on his second start for this stable and he could be involved.

11/2

4th

14

11th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Happygolucky

11st 2lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Mel Rowley

11yo; well-beaten ninth in this race in 2023 then absent until 17l fifth of 11 over nearly 2m5f here in January on stable debut; in the circumstances it was a respectable run last time and he's 7lb lower than when second in this race in 2021; no surprise if he goes well now back up in trip.

25/1

Form: -30241 CD

Last run: 35 days

W: 12st 0lb

13 yo Gelding

OR: 156

Form & Verdict
13yo who has never won off a mark this high; however, he won a veterans' handicap by 3l at Newbury last month and has a good record in this race, winning it easily in 2022 and 2l runner-up last year (both good to soft); has won on good going; he's just 2lb higher than 12 months ago; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 2

15:15 Newbury

Sam Brown

12st 0lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Anthony Honeyball

The oldest of these veterans, being a 14yo, and bare form this term leaves a question mark over whether he retains the useful ability that has been present for a long time; however, won this race off 2lb higher last year (soft) and has a good chance if back on song.

9/1

10th

1

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Sam Brown

12st 0lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Anthony Honeyball

Useful for a long time but has gained last three wins in veterans' events and, having turned 14 since November reappearance, can be opposed off current mark in this field.

20/1

Form: -54316 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Won the big Newbury handicap in November 2022 (3m2f, good) and snapped a losing sequence when exploiting his reduced mark in veterans' chase at Warwick (2m4f, soft) two months ago; remains well treated on peak form but this 10yo was only sixth at Newbury (2m4f, soft) latest; needs a much bigger run today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:20 Haydock

Le Milos

11st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Runner-up in the Stayers' Veterans' Final at Sandown (3m, good) in January two starts ago and he's not ruled out today; however, he's been inconsistent this season and was soundly beaten at Warwick (2m4f, heavy) in February; he may prefer a longer trip than this nowadays; fourth in this last year.

9/1

3rd

2

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Warwick

Le Milos

11st 9lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Dan Skelton

Returned to form with creditable second in valuable veterans' final at Sandown (3m, good) last month and remains only 1lb higher than when winning this race readily by 6l a year ago (soft ground); major player, and his appeal will increase if the ground turns heavy.

9/4

Form: -4232P C

Last run: 25 days

W: 10st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Pulled up at the Cheltenham Festival but he made a bad mistake and that may not be his track; running well in defeat previously at up to 3m1f and he has a useful record here; each-way claims now back at Aintree.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 1

15:15 Haydock

Richmond Lake

11st 5lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

10yo whose 13-race losing sequence goes back to December 2023 but he's run some good races in the meantime (including on soft), most recently staying on for a neck second in the Peter Marsh here (extended 3m1f, good to soft); on that evidence he's well worth a crack at a marathon trip.

8/1

2nd

7

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 125y

Class 1

14:00 Haydock

Richmond Lake

10st 3lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Ran really well when third in this last year (soft) and kept on for second at Aintree (2m4f, soft) last month, albeit no match for the winner; this 10yo has a good record here and, now 8lb lower than 12 months ago, he could be involved back up in trip.

10/1

Form: 10-F50

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 1lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Runs off the same mark as for his Cheltenham Festival win last year (2m4f, soft) and he was a creditable fourth of 15 in this race in 2023 (good to soft); however, he was outstayed on that occasion and this 11yo has finished down the field on both outings this year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

35

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Shakem UpArry

10st 4lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

11yo whose three peak ratings were recorded over an extended 2m4f in the mud at Cheltenham, notably his Plate win at the 2024 Festival (2lb higher today); flew over these fences in the Topham next time but cracked badly in the closing stages and he's not really got going this season, 14th back in the Plate last time; lots of doubts.

66/1

35

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Shakem UpArry

10st 4lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

11yo whose three peak ratings were recorded over an extended 2m4f in the mud at Cheltenham, notably his Plate win at the 2024 Festival (2lb higher today); flew over these fences in the Topham next time but cracked badly in the closing stages and he's not really got going this season, 14th back in the Plate last time; lots of doubts.

66/1

3

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Shakem UpArry

11st 1lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Runs off the same mark as for his Cheltenham Festival win last year (2m4f, soft) and he was a creditable fourth of 15 in this race in 2023 (good to soft); however, he was outstayed on that occasion and this 11yo has finished down the field on both outings this year.

25/1

Form: -66321 D

Last run: 70 days

W: 10st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
9yo who has been inconsistent over the years but he's been better than ever the last twice, going very close at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) in December before winning another competitive handicap there (3m, good) in January, albeit having a battle on his hands before being left clear at the final fence; that latest form still reads well and a 4lb rise isn't harsh; chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 2

16:15 Doncaster

Docpickedme

10st 10lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Richard Hobson

Doncaster form figures read 1P2114, the last five of which were over fences; not disgraced last time and this hurdles mark is 10lb lower, so a case can be made.

5/1

4th

5

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

14:05 Doncaster

Docpickedme

11st 4lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Richard Hobson

Course form figures read 1P211, the last two wins coming in this race last year (good) and over C&D (good to soft) last month, both off a mark 2lb lower than today's; has also won on soft; respected given his record here.

7/1

13

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Docpickedme

10st 5lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Richard Hobson

9yo who has been inconsistent over the years but he's been better than ever the last twice, going very close at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) in December before winning another competitive handicap there (3m, good) in January, albeit having a battle on his hands before being left clear at the final fence; that latest form still reads well and a 4lb rise isn't harsh; chance.

6/1

Form: -6126P

Last run: 25 days

W: 10st 4lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
10yo who won when upped to an extended 2m7f at Newcastle (good) in November and ran well when 10l second at Kempton (3m, good to soft) next time; however, below par at Doncaster (3m, good) subsequently and pulled up at Cheltenham (3m1f, good to soft) last month; needs to get back on track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Frero Banbou

10st 4lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

10yo who won when upped to an extended 2m7f at Newcastle (good) in November and ran well when 10l second at Kempton (3m, good to soft) next time; however, below par at Doncaster (3m, good) subsequently and pulled up at Cheltenham (3m1f, good to soft) last month; needs to get back on track.

33/1

14

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Frero Banbou

10st 4lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

10yo who won when upped to an extended 2m7f at Newcastle (good) in November and ran well when 10l second at Kempton (3m, good to soft) next time; however, below par at Doncaster (3m, good) subsequently and pulled up at Cheltenham (3m1f, good to soft) last month; needs to get back on track.

33/1

20

11th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Frero Banbou

10st 10lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Venetia Williams

10yo who was below par at Doncaster (3m, good) last time but had previously enjoyed a new lease of life following a step up in trip, winning at Newcastle (2m7f, good) then runner-up at Kempton (3m, good to soft); has a consistent record at Cheltenham and he's an each-way possible if back to form.

50/1

Form: 75421P D

Last run: 42 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Won a competitive handicap at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) in December and that form was subsequently franked by the neck runner-up Docpickedme; however, he's 7lb higher this afternoon from out of the handicap and he was pulled up at Kempton (3m, good to soft) last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

25th Oct 2025

Good

3m 2f 39y

Class 2

15:55 Kelso

Charlie Uberalles

11st 0lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Dianne Sayer

Not disgraced in the 3m1f event at Cartmel won by Olivers Travels but shaped as if he may need a drop back in trip; gained his two wins this term over 2m5f (at that venue).

14/1

4th

1

25th Aug 2025

Good

3m 1f 107y

Class 3

16:05 Cartmel

Charlie Uberalles

12st 0lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Dianne Sayer

Never got going in Market Rasen's Summer Plate but returning here is a major positive, having previously gone back-to-back in 2m5f chases (made all on good to soft; good is fine); not handicapped out of contention by any means and probably stays this far.

8/1

4

19th Jul 2025

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 1

15:12 Market Rasen

Charlie Uberalles

11st 0lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Dianne Sayer

Goes particularly well at Cartmel where he won three weeks ago (2m5f, good to soft) despite looking on a toughish mark; similar concerns here raised another 5lb and wouldn't want the ground to turn proper soft.

16/1

Non-runners

Doctor Ken, Heltenham, Myretown, Peaky Boy

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £57.00
Straight Forecast £39.69
Tricast £701.76
Trifecta £1094.60

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Peaky Boy

RP RATINGS:

Docpickedme

Telegraph:

Imperial Saint

POSTDATA:

Richmond Lake

Daily Mail:

Heltenham

The Guardian:

Happygolucky

SPOTLIGHT:

Sam Brown

The Star:

Imperial Saint

WEST COUNTRY:

Peaky Boy

The Times:

Peaky Boy

Daily Record:

Peaky Boy

D Express:

Richmond Lake

Daily Mirror:

Docpickedme

The Sun:

Docpickedme