French challenger Il Est Francais is on observe for the King George VI Chase at Kempton on 26 December regardless of being pulled up on his newest run.
The six-year-old produced a scintillating show when successful the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase over the identical course and distance 12 months in the past.
Joint coach Noel George confirmed he was being aimed on the King George regardless of his disappointing outing at Auteil final month.
“He burst a blood vessel final time. There was no specific cause for that and ever for the reason that race he has been working properly,” stated George, who trains the horse with Amanda Zetterholm.
“I feel if he can reproduce what he did final yr then I feel we’re going there with a successful likelihood.”
Il Est Francais is a few 6-1 likelihood for the massive race behind 7-2 favorite Gray Dawning, the Betfair Chase runner-up educated by Dan Skelton.