Which race should Il Est Francais go for?

French runners at the Cheltenham Festival have become something of a lesser spotted treat, but Il Est Francais is set to bring some continental flair to the Cotswolds this year.

The King George runner-up is being readied for a return to England by joint trainers Noel George & Amanda Zetterholm in the hopes of picking up a second major prize on British soil.

The front-running tearaway has options in both the Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Ryanair Chase, but which race looks best for Il Est Francais?

Bossing from the front

Il Est Francais has a clear running style; he likes to go hard in front and drag his rivals from their comfort zones.

It was seen to blistering effect in the Kauto Start Novices' Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day in 2023 when he burned off his rivals and was never in danger.

It almost worked again at Christmas, with only Banbridge able to emerge from the pack to thwart James Reveley and Il Est Francais in the closing stages of the King George VI Chase.

Ever since his gallant effort on Boxing Day, connections have been weighing up their Cheltenham options, no doubt whilst keeping a keen eye on the potential opposition in each race.

The Gold Cup didn't survive on the agenda too long, given the increased test of stamina, leaving the Champion Chase over two miles and the Ryanair over two miles and five furlongs as the remaining destinations.

Jonbon clash looks off now

For many neutrals looking in, the opportunity of seeing Il Est Francais take on Jonbon and attempt to run the field ragged from the front in a Queen Mother Champion Chase would be some sight.

He has novice form in France at around two miles and a furlong, and his attacking style could really play to making that Championship race a tough environment for his rivals.

But the leaning from the camp now suggests that the Ryanair is the preferred option. With his two big runs in the UK having come at Kempton, some have queried whether or not Il Est Francais will handle the undulations of Cheltenham but that's not a problem joint-trainer George fears.

"I can't see any concerns about Cheltenham and you can see with how he jumps he is such a well-balanced horse. A lot of people seem to be saying he's a flat-track bully, but no one really knows and I can't see that," said George.

Preparing for Fact To File mission

George believes the Ryanair is the right race for Il Est Francais. He may not meet Jonbon, but the green and gold silks of his owner JP McManus could still be the principal threat to the French raider as Fact To File is the favourite for the Ryanair.

"I think if it does come up on goodish, fresh ground in the Ryanair on the Thursday, I think he will take plenty of stopping," added George.

On the evidence of his UK efforts thus far, Il Est Francais could take some stopping in the intermediate Grade 1.

It's a race where such tactics have prevailed in the past, with the likes of Albertas Run, Uxizandre, Un De Sceaux, Frodon and Allaho bagging Ryanair wins from the front end.

Il Est Francais appears to have the tools to try and match them and the fact he stays three miles so well will only serve him well, ensuring the Ryanair Chase does indeed appear the best plan of attack for some French success in the Cotswolds.

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