Il Est Français He is no bigger than 5-2 to win the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase but must complete what is regarded as France’s version of the King George before heading to Kempton and jockey James Reveley said Sunday’s show was a “big test” He warned about.

Victory in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase last Boxing Day immediately established Il Est Francais as a key player for King George. The six-year-old’s dismal effort in his next outing tarnished his towering reputation, but easy success at Auteuil two months ago confirmed his position as the man to beat at Kempton.

Joint trainers Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm have spoken positively about the Christmas assignment, but the starfighter’s regular rider James Reveley is focusing first on France’s winter championship, the Prix la Haye Jousselin (2.35), the eight runners include this year’s Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris winner, Gran Diose.

James Reveley updates Il Est Francais owners after shock defeat at Auteuil in April

“It’s a hot print but the ground has dried out and it won’t be tested in any way, which is good news for us,” Reveley said.

“He needs to be in a big race. He’s pretty straightforward but there aren’t a lot of different tactics you can use against him. I think I’ll take him out and ride him when I find him, which will probably be up front because he’ll have a lot of room and he’s jumping very fast.”

Reveley added: “When things go badly, like when you ran in April, you always have doubts in your mind, but he gave me a good idea on the comeback and the way he came home was very pleasing.

“Haye Jousselin is a valuable Grade 1 and will require a lot of wins. This is a big test for him. He has not proven himself in this quality of race, especially at this distance. We will take this race forward.” and then think of Kempton.”

Gran Diose’s trainer Louisa Carberry said: “He was second in the race last year and looks to be in the same form as in the spring. This is one of the best races that have been run in France for several years and almost all the runners have a winning chance.”

Ladbrokes King George VI Chase, 2.30 Kempton, 26 December
-Ladbrokes: 5-2 Il Est Francais, 9-2 Gaelic Warrior, 8 Galopin Des Champs, 12 Banbridge, Gray Dawning, Il Etait Temps, 14 bar

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