Thursday’s French banker of the day is a talented four-year-old looking to get back to winning ways following a solid course effort.

Pau – R1 - Prix Alfred Saint-Palais

Eugene Smith – (Jean-Claude Rouget/Romain Dubord)

A five-time winner from just fifteen starts to date, Eugene Smith has more than enough class and solid form in the book to win a race of this nature, while his proven capability to handles Pau's all-weather surface also looks to be a notable plus.

The market will likely have it between Eugene Smith and the reopposing Agador after they filled the second and third spots in a Class 2 conditions event behind Morphewan over the same course and distance last month.

Whilst the consistent Agador does need to be treated with respect once more, it would be something of a surprise if he turned the tables with Eugene Smith, who came from a truly uncompromising position when finishing ahead of him last time out. Having been held-up towards the rear, he made gigantic late strides to pass the front-running Agador in the closing stages, while the winner that day also found himself well-positioned throughout.

Romain Dubord will surely look to ride his mount handier from stall seven this morning and with more positive tactics, he can get back to winning ways.