Il Est Francais given green light for Kempton as King George jigsaw starts to fall into place

Il Est Francais has come through his final important piece of work ahead of the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase and is on course to head to Kempton on Boxing Day.

An emphatic winner of the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices' Chase over the King George course and distance 12 months ago, Il Est Francais surrendered his longtime position at the head of ante-post lists when he cut out on the second circuit of the Prix la Haye Jousselin at Auteuil last month.

Most layers pushed him out to double-figure odds in the wake of James Reveley pulling him up with five to jump, but joint-trainer Noel George reports Il Est Francais to have returned from a battery of tests at the renowned Grosbois clinic with a clean bill of health, while his homework remains that of a top-class horse.

Noel George: joint-trainer of King George hopeful Il Est FrancaisCredit: Edward Whitaker

"The horse is in great form," said George. "Everything has gone swimmingly since his last race and he worked nicely on Tuesday. He’s due to school tomorrow (Friday) but for the time being it looks like we’ll be heading to Kempton and it’s all very exciting." 

George added: "There was no underlying problem as to what happened and the horse is in great shape now and in great health. He worked well on Tuesday and all the scopes were clean afterwards.

"We know that he loves Kempton and a fast, flat track on good ground and going righthanded, so we’re looking forward to getting him there."

William Hill reported the money has started to come for Il Est Francais, and the firm make him a 5-1 chance for the King George having been as big as 14-1 a week ago. 

Ladbrokes King George VI Chase, Kempton, December 26
Ladbrokes: 7-2 Grey Dawning, 5 Banbridge, 11-2 Corbetts Cross, 6 Il Est Francais, 13-2 Envoi Allen, 9 L'Homme Presse, 10 Hewick, 16 Bravemansgame, Royale Pagaille, 25 bar.

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