A host of top golfers, including four of the world's top 10, are teeing it up in this week's French Open at Le Golf National in Paris.
Heading the field is last year's runner-up Lee Westwood at a general 10/1, while Martin Kaymer, who beat Westwood in a play-off, is second best in most lists. Luke Donald, Ian Poulter, Rory McIlroy and Charl Schwartzel had further quality to the field, while Heath Slocum is an interesting raider from the PGA Tour.
At 7,300 yards, the course should favour the longer hitters, although the small greens guarded generally by water hazards place an emphasis on accurate long iron approach shots - just ask Poulter who found water twice on 18 in his opening round last year! The weather is set to be hot and sunny all week, with live coverage on Sky Sports starting at 9.30am (UK time) on Thursday.
Alvaro Quiros @ 50/1 bet365
While the bigger names are in attendance this week, this event has not been a happy hunting ground for favourites with several shock winners in recent years. So, while all the above mentioned golfers are hugely respected, it might pay to scan a little further down the betting list and none make more appeal than the big-hitting Spaniard. Currently lying ninth in the European Points List after a solid first half of the year - including a win in Seville and second in Qatar - he needs another good win to guarantee himself a Ryder Cup place and he'll fancy his chances this week on a course that sets up well for him. With generous fairways and less penal rough due to a long period of dry weather, he'll be able to let rip with confidence off the tee, while his accurate iron play (ranked 18th on Tour for GIR at 71.5%) should ensure plenty of birdie opportunities. If he can get his putter working too, his price will look mighty generous come Sunday afternoon.
Danny Willett @ 60/1 Blue Square
Putting woes have have been frustrating the second member of the staking plan, but the former world No.1 amateur has apparently been working hard on the practice putting green of late and there is not much wrong with the rest of the game. Fifth place at Wentworth last month was his fourth top-seven finish of the year, while he has finished in 13th and 10th in two efforts here.
Richard Green @ 55/1 Paddy Power
The Aussie left-hander can also boast some decent course form in recent years of tied-2nd (04), tied-seventh (06), fourth (08) and tied-6th (09), and was runner-up in the recent Estoril Open in Portugal. It was at this time of last year that he posted three top-tens in as many starts and on a course he clearly enjoys playing, he's definitely worthy of each-way support this week.
Bubbling Under: Joost Luiten (100/1 Boylesports)
The young Dutchman has been a model of consistent on Tour, making his last nine cuts, including five top-20 and two top-10 finishes. Another top-10 finish at 9/1 (Skybet) would come as no surprise then.
Punters Beware: Gregory Havret
The Frenchman will be popular with punters after his US Open second but plenty will be expected of him after that Pebble Beach performance, which will bring added pressure, and it's five years since a home-grown player rewarded each-way support.
Recommended Bets:-
Alvaro Quiros 1.5pts each-way @ 50/1 bet365
Danny Willett 1pt each-way @ 60/1 Blue Square
Richard Green 1pt each-way @ 55/1 Paddy Power