King handed French test

Balthazar King: Runs in France on Thursday evening

Balthazar King is ready for a first challenge since his admirable effort in the Crabbie’s Grand National in the Prix Anjou-Loire Challenge at Le Lion D’Angers on Thursday evening.

Philip Hobbs’ raider, who will be ridden by Richard Johnson, landed the Glenfarclas Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival for the second time in March as he thwarted Any Currency by a short head.

The 10-year-old was turned out again at Aintree, where he stayed on to finish five lengths second to Pineau De Re.

Facing him is four and a half miles, and a variety of different obstacles of the sort he would have encountered at Cheltenham.

The flat course, by the banks of a river in north-western France, is hosting the latest leg of the Crystal Cup cross country series.

“He’s fine, all good, and has settled in well,” said Hobbs.

“It’s been the plan to come for this since last autumn, and afterwards I expect he will have a break until the race he won in France last September (Grand Cross Country De Craon).”

Among the 13-strong field are the Nick Williams-trained pair Sarika and Shalimar Fromemtro.