3m 210y | Class 1 | 5yo+ | Good to Soft (Good in places)
Pace: Strong | Field: 15 declared

A deep and competitive renewal of the Freebooter sees several last-time-out winners and classy handicappers line up over a trip and track that will expose any chinks in stamina or jumping. The strong predicted pace should suit those ridden patiently with proven staying power.

⭐ Strongest Contender: HAPPYGOLUCKY

Trainer: Mel Rowley | Jockey: Jonathan Burke
Timeform Insight: “Stepped up on his reappearance when a solid fourth in the Ultima at Cheltenham behind Myretown. Ran like he’s ready to peak again. Stays this trip well, and Aintree is a course he knows and thrives at.”

A course-and-distance winner from the 2021 running of this race, Happygolucky has been gradually working back to peak form. His Ultima effort marked a real return to life, finishing just over 15 lengths behind the runaway winner but still comfortably ahead of many. A strong pace will bring out his stamina, and he carries a racing weight. A serious player back on a flat track he handles so well.

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⚔️ Main Dangers

IMPERIAL SAINT

Trainer: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White | Jockey: Micheal Nolan
Timeform Comment: “3 from 3 at Aintree; jumps soundly and travels strongly. May not have stayed in a G2 last time. Back in handicaps now, and very hard to knock.”

A horse with a perfect Aintree record and a smart profile through the autumn, he has the pace to travel in the front half of the field and showed at Cheltenham that he handles deeper competition. The one question is stamina – he’s going 3m+ for the first time.

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DOCPICKEDME

Trainer: Richard Hobson | Jockey: Charlie Maggs (5)
Timeform Comment: “Useful handicap chaser in fine form; won Great Yorkshire Chase last time out. Not one to always trust, but thriving lately and should be bang there.”

He’s looked a different proposition this season, with a power-packed finish at Doncaster suggesting he’ll have no trouble staying the extra half-furlong. He can sometimes regress from a peak effort, but if he holds form, he’s got the tools to mix it with the best.

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SAM BROWN

Trainer: Anthony Honeyball | Jockey: Chad Bament (7)
Timeform Comment: “Winner of this in 2022 and third last year. Won with a bit in hand last time. Big weight, but always a credit to connections and loves this place.”

The old boy never knows when to quit. He looked rejuvenated when scoring at Newbury in a veterans’ event, and Aintree seems to bring the best out in him. He’s 13 now and lumping top weight, but dismiss him at your peril.

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WEVEALLBEENCAUGHT

Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies | Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Timeform Comment: “Good novice win earlier in the year. Fourth in the Kim Muir last time, and stamina looks his game. Will benefit from a return to a strongly-run 3m+.”

This big, galloping chaser responded well to a stamina test last time in the Kim Muir and looks perfectly suited to the predicted strong pace. He’s a bit of a grinder and may be the type to stay on into a place—or better—if others crack.

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CRUZ CONTROL

Trainer: Tom Lacey | Jockey: Stan Sheppard
Timeform Comment: “Course winner who pulled up last time but has scope off this mark. Could bounce back with a return to a favoured track.”

Lightly raced for his age and a previous Aintree winner, he disappointed at Wetherby but comes back fresh and returns to a track where he’s gone well. The pace setup could help him if he’s tucked in and settled early.

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🔎 Other Notes

• Peaky Boy and Le Milos are intriguing if judged on earlier chase form, though they both have something to prove after below-par efforts.
• Richmond Lake is talented but can let himself down at the fences under pressure.
• Frero Banbou and Erne River look up against it, and neither’s recent form screams contender.