Smith hoping Free World can return to winning ways

Clive Smith is hopeful Free World can return to winning ways in the Montpelier Group Lightning Novices Chase at Ascot on Saturday.

The five-year-old turned in an impressive display when making a winning debut over fences at Sandown in November.

He was narrowly denied a follow up at the same track when edged out by Araldur in Henry VIII Novices Chase last time but Smith believes his charge is still firmly on the upgrade.

“Free World is very well in himself and he ran very well last time in a race which was run in a good time,” said the owner.

“We think he is a horse who is still improving and he has a lot of talent. He is a really good horse to have.”