Il Est Francais tackles France's King George as star's Kempton claims are tested

Il Est Francais is no bigger than 5-2 to win the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase but before travelling to Kempton he must tackle the race regarded as France's version of the King George, and jockey James Reveley has warned Sunday's showpiece represents a "big test".

Victory in the Kauto Star Novices' Chase last Boxing Day immediately established Il Est Francais as a major player for the King George. A dismal effort on the six-year-old's next outing dented his towering reputation but an easy success at Auteuil two months ago has confirmed his position as the one to beat at Kempton.

Joint-trainers Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm have spoken positively about the Christmas assignment, yet the star chaser's regular rider James Reveley is first concentrating on France's winter championship, the Prix la Haye Jousselin (2.35), whose eight-runner field includes this year's Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris winner, Gran Diose.

James Reveley debriefs the owners of Il Est Francais after his shock defeat at Auteuil in April

"It's a hot edition but the ground has dried out and isn't going to be at all testing, which is good news for us," said Reveley.

"He should run a big race. He's fairly straightforward but there aren't lots of different tactics you can use on him. I think I'll just pop him out and ride him as I find him, which will probably be in front because there will be so much space and he jumps so fast."

Reveley added: "When things go bad, as they did when he ran in April, you always have doubts in your mind, but he gave me a good feel on his comeback and the way he came up the home straight was very pleasing.

"The Haye Jousselin is a valuable Grade 1 and it's going to take a lot of winning. This is a big test for him. He's unproven in this quality of race, especially over this distance. We'll get this race out of the way and then think about Kempton."

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

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

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