Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info IL EST FRANCAIS (2:30) can turn on the style in another red-hot King George VI Chase at Kempton.
Gallic handlers used to dominate this Grade 1 and Team Zetterholm’s horse can revive that tradition. A top-class hurdler, the six-year-old took to fences magnificently with back-to back routs at Auteuil. Those victories led to the trainers’ targeting the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase over course and distance.
That was a smart move as the bay totally dominated the race, slamming Hermes Allen by 11 lengths. The gelding was then kept away from the Cheltenham Festival in favour of a Grade 2 back at Auteuil. However, he showed his first signs of weakness when last of five behind Youtwo Glass in Paris.
All seemed well when the star bolted-up from Toscana Du Berlais on his return at the same venue. He was soon back under scrutiny when pulled-up in the Prix Haye Jousselin back there last month. This historic race has always been the real target so the bold-jumper can silence his critics in style.
EL RIO (12:45) can get the party started in the trappy Ladbrokes Novices' Handicap Chase. Kim Bailey’s horse lost his way over after a reasonably promising start to his career over hurdles. He didn’t look a natural over fences when pulled-up on his first run in that sphere at Huntingdon.
Given time to develop, the bay jumped much better when hacking-.
