There are few hotter yards in France at present than that of Francois Monfort, whose string have been thriving since the turn of the year, which has also coincided with using apprentice Jacky Nicoleau, who has ridden five winners on the French Riviera in the past few weeks, four of those coming for Monfort.

The pair team up with Torpen in the opening handicap and he looks primed to strike, having run his best race for some time when finishing second over this trip on the turf here two weeks ago.  He was slowly away on that occasion before making up a lot of ground in the final furlong, but he tends to race prominently and his berth in stall 3 should see him get a good early position before striking for home.

A dual winner on the All-Weather just over a year ago, the return to this surface is another plus and he merits each-way support at 13/2.

1pt each-way Torpen @ 13/2 (Skybet, PaddyPower, Betfair, Betfred, all paying 1/5 4 places)