Could the King George be booked for export? Graeme Rodway on a bumper Irish and French entry

There is no doubt about the surprise name among the entries for the Betfair Chase because not many people would have expected to see French-trained superstar Il Est Francais included, but last year’s Kauto Star winner at Kempton has been given a Haydock entry.

It’s still likely the first time we see Il Est Francais in Britain will be in the King George at Kempton, for which he also has a less surprising entry, but what a fascinating prospect it would be were he to turn out at Haydock. He would be a lot shorter than the 8-1 ante-post.

Last year Il Est Francais won the Kauto Star in a time 4.45 seconds faster than Hewick achieved in winning the King George, which on good ground equates to around 22 lengths, and that would indicate the French ace is up to beating Hewick at Kempton this season.