Overview
- A five-runner field is set for Saturday's Ladbrokes 1965 Chase at Ascot: Pic D'Orhy, Il Est Francais, Jango Baie, Gidleigh Park and Master Chewy.
- Defending champion Pic D'Orhy bids for a third consecutive win in the Grade Two and brings proven course form as an Ascot specialist for Paul Nicholls.
- Trainer Tom George says Il Est Francais is ready to start but expected to improve for the run, with Boxing Day at Kempton named as the primary target.
- James Reveley reunites with Il Est Francais and says that a performance matching last year's King George effort would make the horse hard to beat, noting a preference for right-handed tracks.
- Pundits split on the outcome, with tips for Jango Baie and Pic D'Orhy as well as Gidleigh Park, whose trainer reports a clean preparation after past heart issues, while Master Chewy arrives fit from his Old Roan second and connections eye a King George route.