Venetia Williams says the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase will be “a whole new ball game” for L’Homme Presse when he steps into open company for the first time.
The winner of last season’s Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham warmed up for the Boxing Day showpiece with a comfortable victory in the Rehearsal Handicap Chase at Newcastle under 12st.
As a result he has overtaken Charlie Hall Chase winner Bravemansgame at the head of the betting to become 7-4 favourite with William Hill from Paul Nicholls's number one hope who is 2-1 after nine horses were left in the £250,000 contest.
“I do think one can make a mistake with getting too carried with handicap performances,” said Williams. “I was pleased with what he did but you would have hoped he would have done that. This will be a whole new ball game. It will be his first race in open company.”
L'Homme Presse was withdrawn on raceday for his planned comeback at Ascot last month due to fast ground before going on to win at Newcastle. He is yet to run on good ground over fences.
Rain has eased concerns about the likely going at Kempton where Williams is set to run both L’Homme Presse and Royale Pagaille.
“They are both likely runners,” she said. “We wouldn’t want to run L’Homme Presse on good ground but I think they are going to get a bit more rain.
“Royalle Pagaille won a handicap at Kempton a few years ago but he kind of got held up so he is only just ready to run.”
Williams won the 1998 King George with Teeton Mill, who captured the prize after landing the prestige handicap chase, the Hennessy Gold Cup.
“He was an improving horse,” added Williams.
Latest William Hill betting: 7-4 L’Homme Presse, 2-1 Bravemansgame, 9-2 Hitman, 7-1 Envoi Allen, 14-1 Frodon, Rpyale Pagaille, 20-1 Eldorado Allen, 25-1 Ahoy Senor, 33-1 Millers Bank.
