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Boxing Day racing tips and best bets for Kempton, Wetherby and Aintree as Garry Owen naps Il Est Francais for King George
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.
