April 15 / 16.15 Aintree

16.15

Good To Soft

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

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

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

OUR TIP

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £8.50
  • Place: £2.60

Form: 3-1310

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 151

Form & Verdict
Solid chance on form at about 2m4f on good and soft this winter, but a promising-looking challenge fizzled out in the Plate at Cheltenham last month and he hasn't been persevered with over 3m since his one-paced third at Uttoxeter last March; fitting a tongue-tie could help.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

15th Mar 2025

Good

2m 4f 110y

Class 2

15:20 Kempton

Midnight River

11st 13lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Dan Skelton

Successful in notable handicaps at Cheltenham (2m4f) and Aintree (3m1f) in the 2022-23 campaign and is well treated on that form; hasn't looked the same horse since, however.

10/1

5th

2

1st Jan 2025

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

14:05 Cheltenham

Midnight River

11st 6lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

held up in rear, slightly hampered 4 out, some headway 3 out, weakened home turn

10/1

20/1

  • Place: £3.80

Form: -235P0

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Dual novice hurdle winner at 2m4f but 0-5 over fences and hasn't repeated the promise of a close call on chase debut at Exeter in November (2m3f, good to soft) in four runs since; now tackles a new trip and stablemate Shakem Up'Arry is a more solid option.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 38y

Class 5

16:50 Fakenham

Bowtogreatness

12st 6lb

J: Mr Dale Peters

T: D Peters

Winless away from galloping tracks, but recorded some of his best RPRs in Graded chases around Kempton and the Mildmay Course; still capable of fairly useful form little more than a year ago, and right in the mix if racing more sparingly with the hood debuted latest quickly discarded.

2/1

1

24th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 6f 151y

Class 3

16:50 Leicester

Bowtogreatness

12st 4lb

J: Mr Dale Peters

T: D Peters

Has made the frame in a couple of points this winter for new yard; fairly useful for previous stable and, accordingly, is one of the main players on ratings in this hunter chase debut; hood applied.

9/1

11

25th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 1

15:15 Doncaster

Bowtogreatness

11st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

towards rear

14/1

10/1

  • Place: £4.00

Form: 111113 CD

Last run: 56 days

W: 10st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Brought along steadily and won five small-field handicap chases at 2m6f to 3m1f between July and October, the latest over C&D on good to soft (several fences omitted in slowly run race); went on holiday after and the spell was broken on return at Ascot in February; had wind surgery since and now tongue tied; quite possible he will up his game again.
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

14:05 Doncaster

Kinondo Kwetu

11st 5lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

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

Form: 23-153

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Came from way back when beaten about 17l in third in the 2m handicap here last year; has shown better form since tongue tied at about 2m4f, impressing on return at Exeter (good to soft) and putting a lesser Cheltenham run behind him when third in the Plate there last month (both on soft); less testing ground is likely to suit and his brother stayed well so has every chance of seeing out a sharp test at this trip; yard won this in 2019.
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: -22457

Last run: 29 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 158

Form & Verdict
Grade 1s tend to be a step too far but he has given it a good shot in Grade 2s, beating a classy rival at Newbury last February (2m7f) and close up at Wetherby in October (3m; both on good to soft); gives the race some cachet back in a handicap for the first time since winning the Haldon Gold Cup in 2021 but it's worrying that he hasn't run well in the retained cheekpieces on last two starts, latest in the Gold Cup last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Eldorado Allen

10st 12lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

12yo who staged a renaissance when winning a veterans' chase at Cheltenham in November and has continued in pretty good heart; however, it's likely he'll be vulnerable today; soundly beaten in this race 12 months ago.

66/1

4th

4

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 2

15:15 Newbury

Eldorado Allen

11st 9lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Form over shorter this term features a reappearance success in veterans' race at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft; beat Mister Coffey); record at Newbury includes a success in 2m7f Grade 2 in 2022 and respectable effort in major 3m2f handicap in 2023; solid claims.

9/2

4th

4

18th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 6f 50y

Class 2

15:00 Windsor

Eldorado Allen

11st 2lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Three-time Grade 2 chase winner who snapped long losing sequence to land veterans' handicap at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft) in November; ran okay when third next time; however, this 12yo looks vulnerable in today's company.

50/1

Form: 220BP3

Last run: 26 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
It's to his credit that he was close up in a 2m4f handicap here in December (good to soft) but he hasn't shone in his previous attempts over 3m and is a long way out of the weights; cheekpieces refitted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

3rd Feb 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 0f 193y

13:00 Punchestown

Handsworth

11st 4lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: J P Dempsey

Has won twice over fences but has struggled since returning from a 587 day layoff; impossible to make a case for on his banks debut.

50/1

13

3rd Feb 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 0f 193y

13:00 Punchestown

Handsworth

11st 4lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: J P Dempsey

Has won twice over fences but has struggled since returning from a 587 day layoff; impossible to make a case for on his banks debut.

50/1

11th

6

25th Jan 2025

Soft

3m 2f 0y

13:03 Fairyhouse

Handsworth

11st 9lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: J P Dempsey

Dual winner over fences at around 2m4f; well beaten in three starts this season, including when pulling up the last twice; doesn't look suited to this sort of stamina test.

33/1

13/2

Form: 1-5630

Last run: 32 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Just one attempt beyond about 2m4f and although signalling that he was ready for a stiffer test when running on well into third behind Midnight River at Cheltenham in January (2m4f, soft; first-time cheekpieces), he never held out serious hope when upped to 3m1f at Cheltenham in March; still looks worth at least one more go at a staying trip and yard is in great form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

17:00 Hexham

Nassalam

11st 12lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: T Ellis

Pulled up/tailed off on all seven starts since winning the Welsh National for the Moore stable in December 2023; it's tricky to assess what he's capable of nowadays but this race is vastly easier than he's used to and if he retains any spark he'll be tough to beat on this stable debut.

3/1

2

31st Jan 2026

Soft

3m 0f 42y

Class 2

15:42 Sandown

Nassalam

11st 4lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Well suited by soft/heavy ground; landed the 2023 Welsh National off current mark; subsequent form figures (P0PPPP) are dismal but this first run since wind surgery may be the time to bank on a revival and catch him; attractively handicapped, with that in mind.

10/1

Form: 2-1277

Last run: 32 days

W: 10st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Three chase wins at about 2m4f (soft/good to soft/good) but he didn't run well at Cheltenham in January and the new 3m1f trip did nothing for him at the Cheltenham Festival last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

21st Jun 2024

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 3

15:55 Market Rasen

Karl Philippe

12st 0lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Back on track with two good runs at Kempton (3m, good) this spring, the latter a win; probably still on a workable mark after 5lb rise but didn't find much at business end at Perth recently; now sports cheekpieces.

10/1

4th

3

9th Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

15:42 Perth

Karl Philippe

11st 4lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

pressed leader, led before 6th, headed just before 13th, hit 13th, lost position before 3 out

4/1

1st

2

6th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Kempton

Karl Philippe

12st 0lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

jumped slightly right throughout, led, raced in second when headed 2nd, ridden after 3 out, pressed leader 2 out, led narrowly last

7/2

Form: -11124 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Has come into his own over fences, winning over 2m4f and 3m (on heavy and soft) in the first three of five attempts, but his performance suffered when unable to lead in a Grade 3 at Naas last month; likely to need more than in his most recent handicap runs at Ayr.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

15:17 Perth

Gold Cup Bailly

12st 0lb

J: J J Slevin

T: S R B Crawford

Showed that he retained spark when fourth of five at Ayr (3m, soft) in January, when he made a bad mistake and jumped to the right at that left-handed track; goes right-handed today; however, tailed off in Grade 2 novice hurdle since and best form has come on soft/heavy going; a visor goes on.

20/1

1

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

15:17 Perth

Gold Cup Bailly

12st 0lb

J: J J Slevin

T: S R B Crawford

dwelt start, in rear, not fluent 1st, struggling 4 out

20/1

Form: 4-1249

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Progressive staying hurdler last winter who was fourth in the 3m handicap here last year (good to soft; hampered on home bend); chasing type who made a good impression when winning Listed Intermediate at Carlisle in October (2m4f, soft) on first run over fences; things haven't gone quite to plan since but he wasn't the only one to race prominently only to fade at Cheltenham last month and his best days are still ahead of him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Beauport

10st 11lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Took well to these fences in last year's renewal but subsided rapidly after three out, which might have been surprising for one who'd won a 4m2f Midlands National (March 2024) but he seemed to race a bit too zestfully in the front rank; 3lb lower today, having run respectably on reappearance but moderately in two hurdle races since (wind surgery before latest); now tongue tied first time; a bit to prove.

100/1

4th

3

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 1

14:05 Haydock

Beauport

11st 2lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

10yo who was pulled up in Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot in December and conditional Toby McCain-Mitchell is unable to claim today; however, he's had wind surgery since his latest outing, which might help, and he was second in this 12 months ago having finished third in the Long Walk the time before; it will be no surprise to see a bold bid from this prominent-racer.

10/1

12th

12

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Beauport

11st 1lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Jumped and hung badly right in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter (4m2f, heavy) last March but nevertheless battled back to win, the clear highlight among seven chases going this way round; scoring by 31l at Ascot (3m5f, good; 12lb higher today) was a good way to start this season and he's run with credit over hurdles since; going left-handed is a concern but there are lots of positives otherwise.

22/1

Form: 1-4P14 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 10st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Often leads; good strike-rate when completing in handicaps at around 3m, the wins all on good to soft or soft, but he didn't run to his usual level at Doncaster in March and only his best form will suffice today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 30y

Class 3

14:15 Bangor-on-Dee

Castle Robin

11st 5lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Charlie Longsdon

Strike-rate of 4-14 over fences but has seen very little action during the past three years and now returns from an even lengthier absence at the age of 11; potentially very well handicapped should market vibes bode well.

8/1

5th

2

24th Sep 2024

Good

3m 1f 100y

Class 3

15:30 Warwick

Castle Robin

11st 12lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Charlie Longsdon

led, headed before 14th, soon prominent, lost ground after 3 out, weakened from 2 out

11/2

7th

5

9th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 0f 37y

Class 3

16:10 Sandown

Castle Robin

11st 11lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Charlie Longsdon

Front-runner; 4-12 over fences, the latest win gained off 2lb higher over C&D (good to soft) in February 2023; shaped as if retaining all his ability at Doncaster on reappearance, and less positive tactics seemed to backfire over a longer trip at Musselburgh next time; should have optimum conditions here and he's high on the list.

11/2

Form: 55-433 D

Last run: 62 days

W: 10st 6lb

10 yo Mare

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Made mincemeat of modest marks in early days over fences and had a purple spell with seven wins from the autumn of 2020 to December 2021, her final win coming at Hereford (3m1f, good; has won on heavy); just two handicap runs in defeat since, both of which make this look quite an ask.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

2nd Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 6f 93y

Class 2

12:30 Newbury

Kapga De Lily

11st 5lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

didn't jump with fluency, prominent, dropped to midfield 4th, dropped to rear 10th

6/1

4th

5

26th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 1

15:30 Perth

Kapga De Lily

11st 0lb

J: Miss Lucy Turner

T: Venetia Williams

Had a ball with seven wins from the autumn of 2020 to December 2021; beaten when departing late on in a strong handicap at Aintree recently and she's held by Pink Legend on their Exeter clash in February.

12/1

10

15th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

16:15 Aintree

Kapga De Lily

10st 6lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Made mincemeat of modest marks in early days over fences and had a purple spell with seven wins from the autumn of 2020 to December 2021, her final win coming at Hereford (3m1f, good; has won on heavy); just two handicap runs in defeat since, both of which make this look quite an ask.

14/1

Form: 81PP55 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Can lead; has had a fallow spell since winning a Grade 2 novice at Punchestown in November (2m6f, yielding) and little in her latest two handicap starts (in October and January) suggests she has anything in hand off her current mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

29th Apr 2023

Good To Yielding

3m 7f 0y

15:10 Punchestown

Darrens Hope

10st 9lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Robert Murphy

Has been a reliable mare in previous seasons ans looked set for a fine campaign when a long-priced Grade 2 winner at this venue last November; has lost form alarmingly and is now tried with blinkers for the first time.

25/1

11

15th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

16:15 Aintree

Darrens Hope

10st 2lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Robert Murphy

Can lead; has had a fallow spell since winning a Grade 2 novice at Punchestown in November (2m6f, yielding) and little in her latest two handicap starts (in October and January) suggests she has anything in hand off her current mark.

16/1

32

10th Apr 2023

Soft

3m 5f 0y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Darrens Hope

10st 0lb

J: Conor Clarke

T: Robert Murphy

Second reserve; won the Grade 2 Florida Pearl Novice at Punchestown in November (2m6f) but hasn't produced an effort of note since then.

Form: 32-3P2

Last run: 89 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Has often run well against smart rivals, over hurdles in sole course start in late 2019, and when chasing; swings and roundabouts this winter but he ran creditably against an improver at Wetherby in October (2m3f, good to soft) and again in a three-runner race at Hereford in January (3m1f, soft); squeak.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 189y

Class 2

13:30 Kelso

Coconut Splash

10st 12lb

J: Mr Kit Alexander

T: N W Alexander

11yo who has a poor strike-rate and isn't the force of old but, following a wind op, he returned to form with a clear, close second in a first-time visor (retained) at Ayr (2m4f, soft) a fortnight ago; also effective on good to soft; in the mix if backing up that latest run, despite 6lb rise.

20/1

2nd

9

6th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 4

16:20 Ayr

Coconut Splash

11st 2lb

J: Mr Kit Alexander

T: N W Alexander

Useful in his prime but has been out of form since returning from long absence for new stable in the autumn; needs combination of wind surgery and first-time visor to prompt a revival.

20/1

8th

8

29th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 100y

Class 4

13:43 Ayr

Coconut Splash

11st 0lb

J: Mr Kit Alexander

T: N W Alexander

Veteran who has tumbled down the weights but his last win was in 2020 and he's been well held in three runs for new yard this winter; has something to prove and he needs a transformation with cheekpieces added

20/1

Form: -06380

Last run: 70 days

W: 10st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Three chase wins at 2m1f-2m4f in Ireland, most recently in January 2021; has not yet found his feet for new yard and although way down the weights he makes limited appeal from out of the handicap; cheekpieces refitted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

20th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 1f 77y

Class 4

14:15 Bangor-on-Dee

Daly Tiger

11st 9lb

J: John Kington

T: L J Morgan

took keen hold, held up in rear, no impression before 3 out

25/1

7th

4

20th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 1f 77y

Class 4

14:15 Bangor-on-Dee

Daly Tiger

11st 9lb

J: John Kington

T: L J Morgan

took keen hold, held up in rear, no impression before 3 out

25/1

3rd

10

30th Mar 2024

Heavy

2m 3f 203y

Class 2

15:15 Haydock

Daly Tiger

10st 10lb

J: John Kington

T: L J Morgan

His mark continues to fall and he hinted at a revival when 20l second here (2m, soft) last November; however, pulled up at Aintree (2m4f, heavy) since and he's back to having plenty to prove; visor replaces cheekpieces.

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £114.90
Straight Forecast £91.67
Tricast £925.61
Trifecta £1692.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Shakem Up'Arry

WEST COUNTRY:

Beauport

Daily Record:

Gold Cup Bailly

D Express:

Nassalam

The Times:

Kinondo Kwetu

RP Ratings:

Karl Philippe

Daily Mail:

Midnight River

The Sun:

Eldorado Allen

Telegraph:

Beauport

The Star:

Beauport

TOPSPEED:

Shakem Up'Arry

POSTDATA:

Shakem Up'Arry

The Guardian:

Shakem Up'Arry

Daily Mirror:

Shakem Up'Arry