Djelo primed for defence of Peterborough Chase crown

Djelo is on course to defend his Sky Bet Peterborough Chase crown at Huntingdon on Sunday.

And trainer Venetia Williams said on Wednesday that the seven-year-old may also contest the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, where he could be joined by stablemate L'Homme Presse.

Djelo was a dominant six-length winner of the Peterborough Chase 12 months ago ago and is 4-6 with the sponsors to become the first back-to-back winner of the Grade Two contest since Racing Demon scooped the spoils in 2006 and 2007.

Speaking to the media on a sun-kissed day at her Herefordshire base ahead of Huntingdon's flagship meeting this weekend, Williams said: "It was a very wet day last year, we all got drenched. I suspect it will be quicker this year.

"Having won it so well last year it would be a mistake to miss it this year. He also has an entry in the King George but one step at a time."

The four-time Grade Two winner, quoted at 20-1 for the King George, has yet to strike at Grade One level but could have further progression in him.

"He's been progressive and hopefully he continues to be,” she said. “I've always thought he was going to be nice.

"Horses reveal their hands largely on the racecourse rather than at home. You don't really want to be doing the work at home; that's going to answer too many demanding questions.

"Any horse that's won a number of Grade Twos as he has, you always hope his time will come at the top table."

L'Homme Presse, a two-time Grade One winner, could also be Kempton-bound, but will be likely to make his reappearance at Cheltenham next week.

The ten-year-old finished third in the King George last year, having unseated late on when in contention in the 2022 renewal won by Bravemansgame. He is available at 66-1.

Williams said: "He's due to go to Cheltenham for the 3m2f handicap chase. That would be a quick turnaround for him. I remember as a novice chaser in his first three runs he only had a fortnight apart, but we'll see.

"He seems to be going as well as one can hope for."

Royale Pagaille enhanced his fabulous record at Haydock when chasing home Grey Dawning in the Betfair Chase, when seeking a third successive win in the race.

He is set to return to the Lancashire venue once again for a record hat-trick attempt in the Peter Marsh Chase next month.

Williams said: "I thought he ran a marvellous race [in the latest Betfair Chase]. He was completely discounted despite the fact he'd won it the two previous years.

"Last year, it was our ground for him, this year it was Grey Dawning's ground.

"I was delighted with the performance he put up. To beat all of the others that were well touted going into the race was fantastic."