'He's such a brilliant jumper and I can't wait to see him run' - who fancies their chance in wide-open Freebooter?

Myretown’s withdrawal on Friday threw the Freebooter wide open. The stylish Ultima winner would have been one of the shortest-priced handicap contenders of the week if turning up. 

This is still an excellent betting race for punters and a few interesting ones have jumped up the queue in Myretown’s absence. 

The first is Imperial Saint, who steps in to head the early betting and, like Myretown, is a novice on an upward trajectory. He began his season with victory on good ground at Aintree over two miles in October, but comes from a point-to-point background and will be a danger if staying this new trip under rules. 

Although below form in the Pendil on ground that was softer than advertised last time, Imperial Saint should be high on any shortlist given his strong course form. 

On this season’s form 2024 winner Cruz Control is impossible to fancy. That said, so was Sans Bruit before his repeat success in Thursday’s Red Rum. Cruz Control merits Placepot consideration for one of the year’s largest guaranteed pools at the very least.

Or could Dan Skelton pull another rabbit out of the hat? Veteran Coral Gold Cup winner Le Milos sits on a tempting mark, while Heltenham, who is no stranger to taking out a big prize at this time of year, arrives after a light campaign.

Heltenham hinted at a bigger performance in the spring when moving well into the Ladbrokes Trophy at Kempton before pulling up on rain-softened ground. Sparing him a hard race there will be to his advantage.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

Philip Hobbs, co-trainer of Imperial Saint
He's got such good form at Aintree that it made sense to come here. If you look back to his run at Cheltenham, then this trip shouldn't be a problem. 

Ben Pauling, trainer of Shakem Up'arry
He's in very good form and is such a brilliant jumper. It didn't go well in the Topham last year, but I think he was a bit flat after Cheltenham. I'm very pleased with him and I can't wait to see him run.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Le Milos and Heltenham
I think Le Milos will run another consistent race. He won earlier in the season and three miles round here is no problem, and I'm looking forward to running him.  The ground could be lively enough for Heltenham. He was too keen over three miles last time, so a fast-run race here should settle him. 

AJ O'Neill, co-trainer of Peaky Boy
I'm hoping we can write his last run off at Ascot. We're still learning plenty about him, but he's got form on better ground and heavy ground, so seems versatile in terms of the ground.

Peaky Boy (left) runs at Aintree on SaturdayCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos

Mel Rowley, trainer of Happygolucky
I'm very happy with him and he came out of Cheltenham so well that we thought we'd give this a go. Ideally the ground would be softer for him but it was good to soft at Cheltenham and he ran a blinder there.

Willy Twiston-Davies, assistant to Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Weveallbeencaught
He ran a very big race in the Kim Muir, finishing strongly after making a bad mistake at the last. He seems well, and has a live each-way shout.

Richard Hobson, trainer of Docpickedme
We've sat tight for this race as he wants a bit of nice ground. We went up 4lb but Charlie Maggs is a great young jockey and takes 5lb off. I still feel we're nicely handicapped the way he feels at the moment. 

Venetia Williams, trainer of Frero Banbou
He's shown that he handles this sort of ground. This is always a very competitive race and hopefully he can put his best foot forward.
Reporting by James Stevens

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