LAST season’s French jumps star Il Est Francais, winer of the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices Chase at Kempton at Christmas, made an emphatic return to form on his seasonal debut at Auteuil on Saturday.

He had finished a remote last of five when 30/100 favourite for a Grade 2 at Auteuil in April but this win put him back at the head of the market for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase in December.

The six-year-old galloped to a seven-length victory in the Grade 3 Prix Richard et Robert Hennessy and trainer Noel George, (in partnership with Amanda Zetterholm), said afterwards: “He seems to be back to his best and he’ll improve a lot for it. There’s a lot to look forward to, lots to build on.

“It’s a big relief to get him back, but we’d been seeing the right signs at home. The plan is he’ll run in the Prix la Haye Jousselin and then the King George. They’re two big races to aim for, but he seems to be the horse to beat in them at the moment.”

Il Est Francais is a best-priced 4/1 chance for the King George, with Punchestown Gold Cup winner Fastorslow (best at 9/2) and last season’s top novice Fact To File and Gaelic Warrior.

Il Est Francais has won all bar two of his 11 starts over obstacles, and George added: “He’s got stronger, he’s more mature. He’s exuberant with his style of racing but, with the freshness out of him after a run, he’ll be better again as well.”