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Despite a speculative entry in the Turners Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham, Il Est Francais is expected to skip the Festival in favour of the Grand Steeplechase de Paris.

The six-year-old, trained in France by Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm, is already a Grade 1 winner over hurdles at Auteuil and remains unbeaten after three chase starts.

He posted a dominant performance in the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day and whilst connections had always made their preference for Auteuil known, Cheltenham hopes were raised when Il Est Francais featured amongst entries for the Turners Novices' Chase. 

He's absolutely great and after Kempton has had a couple of weeks just on the walker and in the paddock. He's put on 20kg and is looking great," said co-trainer Noel George.

"We had a big frost the last week, so he missed another week and I don't think we will be coming to Cheltenham, but he's in great form.

"It was an entry in case the Turners cut up and the timing looked right, but he missed a week with the snow and he will go for the French Gold Cup now.

"He will run in a prep race on April 6, a Grade Two – and then in May, the main Grade One."