Noel George is optimistic a return to Kempton Park will see Il Est Francais bounce back to his best in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase.

The six-year-old produced a scintillating display when winning the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase over the same course and distance 12 months ago, but heads back across the Channel next week on something of a recovery mission after being pulled up on his most recent appearance at Auteuil.