FRENCH BLISS

II Est Francais can be a punter's pal by flying to victory in Ryanair Chase

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IL EST FRANCAIS (3.20) can rule the roost in the Ryanair Chase on day three of the Cheltenham Festival.

Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm’s horse showed enormous potential over fences with a pair of emphatic wins at Auteuil in late 2023. That smart form led to the ambitious trainers targeting the Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

It proved a wise move as the bay slammed Hermes Allen with a potent display of front-running.

The gelding swerved the 2024 Festival in favour of an equally strong Grade Two contest back at Auteuil. However, he was not at his best when a disappointing last of five behind Youtwo Glass.

The star looked fully revitalised when he absolutely bolted up from Toscana Du Berlais back there.

The bay renewed concerns when he was pulled up in the Prix Haye Jousselin there in November. The sevenyear-old hit back with a terrific second to Banbridge in the King Goerge back at Kempton.

The Gallic raider has plenty of speed so he can dominate a quality field back over a stiff 2m 5f.

KAROLINE BANBOU (1:20) can give Willie Mullins more glory in the Ryanair Novices' Hurdle.