14.30
SoftWilliam Hill Handicap Chase (Registered As The Freebooter Handicap Chase) (Premier Handicap) (GBB)
- Prize money: £56270
- 3m 0f 210y
- Class 1
- 13 runners
Runners: 13 runners
Type: Chase Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Cloudy
9/1 (Won)
- Win: £10.40
- Place: £2.80
Form: 512251
Last run: 28 days
W: 10st 10lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 136
| 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 |
11st 8lb |
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 |
11st 9lb |
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 |
14/1
- Place: £4.50
Form: P51451 CD
Last run: 20 days
W: 12st 0lb
12 yo Gelding
OR: 154
| 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 |
12st 0lb |
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 |
12st 0lb |
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 |
6/1
- Place: £2.50
Form: 2-6121 D
Last run: 49 days
W: 10st 11lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 137
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5 |
25th Jan 2025 Good To Soft 2m 7f 214y Class 1 |
11st 9lb |
held up in rear |
11/2 |
|
5 |
25th Jan 2025 Good To Soft 2m 7f 214y Class 1 |
11st 9lb |
held up in rear |
11/2 |
|
3rd 5 |
14th Dec 2024 Good To Soft 2m 7f 214y Class 2 |
11st 2lb |
Won this 12 months ago (good to soft) and continued in fine form last season, adding a competitive handicap at Kempton (3m, soft) in February; there could still be mileage in his mark and he may have needed last month's reappearance run at Wincanton (well-beaten fourth); one to consider. |
5/1 |
16/1
Form: 33-13P CD
Last run: 168 days
W: 11st 4lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 144
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 3 |
14th Dec 2024 Good To Soft 2m 7f 214y Class 2 |
11st 5lb |
He won two in a row in the summer (3m2f/2m7f, good) but was pulled up at Cheltenham (3m1f, good) in October and soundly beaten in the Rehearsal at Newcastle (2m7f, good) last time; needs to bounce back. |
25/1 |
13/2
Form: -11202 D
Last run: 32 days
W: 11st 7lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 147
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 1 |
23rd May 2026 Good 3m 0f 30y Class 2 |
12st 0lb |
Second at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival and he started last season with two wins, including a gritty success in the Becher at Aintree (3m2f); struggled in the Grand National last month but he's now only 2lb higher than for his last win and looks interesting on this drop back in trip and class; last success was on soft but most of his wins have been on good ground. |
5/2 |
|
15th 34 |
11th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 4m 2f 74y Class 1 |
10st 4lb |
Second at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival and started this season with two wins, notably by a short head from Mr Vango in the 3m2f Becher over these fences (wore cheekpieces second time); warmed up for this over hurdles after three months off; the Becher performance was doughty stuff but his only go at a marathon trip was last year's National in which he finished a remote tenth, always behind. |
40/1 |
|
7th 4 |
14th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 7f 70y Class 2 |
11st 7lb |
Useful chaser who is 2-2 this season, latest success in notable race at Aintree; however, lower mark over hurdles reflects his level in this sphere and main target is again the Grand National next month. |
20/1 |
12/1
Form: -33324
Last run: 32 days
W: 11st 0lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 140
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
11 |
2nd May 2024 Yielding 2m 7f 110y |
11st 2lb |
prominent, not fluent 6th, pulled up quickly after 8th, looked to go wrong |
20/1 |
|
11 |
2nd May 2024 Yielding 2m 7f 110y |
11st 2lb |
prominent, not fluent 6th, pulled up quickly after 8th, looked to go wrong |
20/1 |
|
6th 6 |
13th Apr 2024 Soft 3m 0f 210y Class 1 |
11st 0lb |
Creditable efforts in defeat in Graded novice chases this winter (3m, good/good to soft) and ran well for long way in 3m6f NH Chase at Cheltenham last month (heavy; beaten 32l); could be in the mix now back down in trip and back in a handicap, provided the removal of cheekpieces isn't an issue. |
12/1 |
7/2
Form: 1-F412
Last run: 30 days
W: 11st 3lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 143
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 1 |
28th May 2026 Good 2m 4f 139y Class 4 |
12st 0lb |
Very useful hurdler/chaser in his prime; well below best during a fairly light campaign last season (four hurdle runs; cheekpieces added last time) but will appreciate this ease in grade and has slipped to a dangerous mark. |
12/1 |
|
5th 4 |
23rd Mar 2026 Good 2m 3f 179y Class 3 |
11st 7lb |
Made a quite encouraging seasonal debut in November but well beaten twice since, albeit on heavy ground last time; drops back in trip on a dangerous mark but needs to be perked up by the first-time cheekpieces. |
9/1 |
5/1
Form: 3-1334
Last run: 56 days
W: 10st 11lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 137
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 8 |
12th Oct 2024 Good To Soft 2m 3f 98y Class 2 |
10st 6lb |
C&D winner at a different meeting last October on his reappearance and later ran well in a 3m Grade 2 at Ascot until a costly late mistake; disappointed the final time in a strong handicap at Aintree but went off favourite that day off a 1lb higher mark and evidently failed to give his running; remains an interesting handicapper. |
4/1 |
|
8th 9 |
13th Apr 2024 Soft 3m 0f 210y Class 1 |
10st 11lb |
Lightly raced 3m point winner whose best hurdle run came over 3m, and he tackled that trip for the first time over fences in a Grade 2 novice at Ascot (3m, good to soft) in February, travelling well into contention but making a race-losing mistake at final fence (finished 3l fourth of five); there will be a slight doubt about him if he's back on soft/heavy but he's unexposed over staying trips and could be better than his current mark. |
5/1 |
|
8th 9 |
13th Apr 2024 Soft 3m 0f 210y Class 1 |
10st 11lb |
Lightly raced 3m point winner whose best hurdle run came over 3m, and he tackled that trip for the first time over fences in a Grade 2 novice at Ascot (3m, good to soft) in February, travelling well into contention but making a race-losing mistake at final fence (finished 3l fourth of five); there will be a slight doubt about him if he's back on soft/heavy but he's unexposed over staying trips and could be better than his current mark. |
5/1 |
25/1
Form: 3P-574
Last run: 27 days
W: 10st 6lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 132
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10 |
1st May 2026 Yielding 3m 0f 160y |
12st 0lb |
Veteran has been competing quite effectively in points; however, could manage only a moderate fourth in an incident-packed Fairyhouse race won by Five Star Getaway. |
50/1 |
|
4th 7 |
5th Apr 2026 Yielding To Soft 3m 0f 180y |
12st 0lb |
Veteran has been competing quite effectively in points, this looks too demanding. |
20/1 |
|
16 |
26th May 2025 Good 2m 7f 72y |
10st 13lb |
Veteran is 3-19 over fences; won off 121 at Down Royal (3m, gd-yld) in January; pulled up next two starts then beaten 16.5l off this mark on latest at Punchestown; likes going right-handed but others hold more pressing claims. |
16/1 |
16/1
Form: U43411
Last run: 34 days
W: 10st 13lb
10 yo Gelding
OR: 139
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 7 |
30th May 2026 Good 2m 4f 80y |
11st 4lb |
Six-time winner (four chases, two hurdles) holds a 14lb lower hurdles mark and ran a very encouraging race returning from an absence at Killarney when third; entitled to improve on that; interesting. |
7/1 |
|
3rd 11 |
11th May 2026 Good To Yielding 2m 4f 50y |
10st 11lb |
Potentially well handicapped given his chasing exploits off higher marks but he is a 12yo returning from a long absence. |
20/1 |
16/1
Form: 5-413P
Last run: 30 days
W: 12st 0lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 154
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 6 |
15th Apr 2026 Good 2m 3f 203y Class 1 |
11st 2lb |
No win since late 2023 and he hasn't got a lot going this season; he had run well but looked on the retreat when unseating in Outlaw Peter's race here 11 days ago (visor replaced usual cheekpieces). |
12/1 |
|
5 |
4th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 203y Class 2 |
11st 5lb |
Winless since December 2023 and hasn't posed a serious threat this season; however, he was best of the rest behind easy winner Guard Your Dreams at Warwick (2m4f, heavy) last time and continues to drop down the weights; handles various ground; not ruled out in first-time visor (replacing cheekpieces). |
8/1 |
|
2nd 3 |
7th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 4f 0y Class 2 |
11st 5lb |
Quirky customer who is without a win since December 2023 and has become frustrating; that said, he ran well for a long way in a valuable Ascot handicap (2m5f, soft) three weeks ago and is another 4lb lower here. |
15/2 |
20/1
Form: 8-0P15 D
Last run: 77 days
W: 10st 11lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 137
| 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 |
11st 10lb |
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 |
11st 8lb |
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 |
12st 1lb |
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 |
16/1
Form: 32/139
Last run: 30 days
W: 10st 4lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 130
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9th 20 |
13th Mar 2025 Good To Soft 2m 4f 127y Class 1 |
10st 2lb |
Wide-margin winning yard debut at Ludlow (2m4f, soft) last February before staying trips were beyond him at the Festival and Aintree subsequently; recent runs suggest this is a tall order from out of the weights. |
50/1 |
|
2nd 1 |
21st Feb 2025 Soft 2m 4f 0y Class 3 |
12st 2lb |
prominent, led 12th |
5/2 |
|
3rd 10 |
30th Nov 2024 Good To Soft 2m 6f 93y Class 2 |
10st 10lb |
Won easily on British debut at Ludlow in February (2m4f, soft; 5lb lower); struggled after but latterly in strong handicaps at the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals (3m2f/3m1f); no surprise at all should Venetia Williams have him back to his best here and this intermediate trip might be to his liking. |
5/1 |
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £221.30 |
| Straight Forecast | £173.59 |
| Tricast | £1262.99 |
| Trifecta | £2113.70 |
Selections
The Star:
Forward PlanThe Guardian:
Kilbeg King