Open De France - Le Golf National, Paris

Jean Francois Remesy became the first Frenchman to win their national title for 35 years, when he won here last year and he promptly dived into the lake by the 18th to celebrate. It gave the event a much needed shot in the arm, and this year there is a record purse of 3.5 million Euros and the field reflects this. There are some big players here this week including Jimenez, Montgomrie and Paul Mcginley. Stan James put Miquel Angel Jimenez as the 8/1 favourite but he will have to put an awful performance in the US Open behind him. Monty at 18/1 also struggled at Pinehurst but this will be more his bag and he shouldn't fear anyone in the field. Paul McGinley is a 20/1 shot, his best finish here being a 7th in the last three years. But there are a couple of old heads who's records around here stand up very well. Firstly J-M Olazabal is 31 under par for his collective scores here over the last four years. He has won the event as well and clearly enjoys the challenge. At 12/1 he must have a great chance around here. The other player worth mentioning is Ian Woosnam at 40/1. OK......he doesn't win often these days, but his record here is very solid and he's a good each way bet. For a Top Ten finish he is a 4/1 shot. But Remesy's win last year might stimulate the French contingient to greater things this year. Players to look out for include Thomas levet at 25's, Raphael Jacquelin at 33's, Remesy at 50's, Gregory Havret at 66's and Christian Cevaer at 125's. We fancy the French to put up a stern defence this year, but it's hard to know which one. Other players who are being touted to go well this week are Henrik Stenson at 33's, Peter O'Malley at 50's and Nick Dougherty at 40's. Get a free bet on the golf with Stan James!