Filibustering

Trained by Harry Derham out of Upper Lambourn in Berkshire, Filibustering is part of a yard that has sent out 53 winners this season alone, which tells you this is a serious operation that knows how to get horses to the track in form. Derham has spoken about Filibustering with genuine enthusiasm, suggesting the horse is still improving and hasn't yet shown its best. That kind of confidence from a trainer who clearly has options means something — you don't flag up a horse for a big spring final unless you genuinely believe it belongs there.

The stats start to paint a picture when you look at where and how Filibustering wins. Over long distances — two miles or more — it has won 3 of its 10 races, a win rate of 30%, which is excellent by any measure. The further this horse goes, the more dangerous it becomes. It also clearly appreciates normal ground, winning 2 from 7 races (29%) in those conditions. What's harder to explain is the Class 4 record — eight races at that level and not a single win. That's unusual, and worth watching. It's possible the horse simply performs better when stepped up in distance regardless of class, or that recent improvement means those numbers are about to change.

Paul O'Brien has been the most regular rider, partnering Filibustering in 5 races and winning once — a 20% win rate, or roughly 1 in every 5 rides together — which is a decent return. First career win came at Redcar back in May 2024, and with a Hexham win just days ago, the momentum is clearly with this horse heading into the summer. If Derham's assessment is right and there's still more to come, Filibustering could be one to follow closely over the next few months.