French banker of the day – 4th February 2026

Wednesday’s French banker of the day is a previous course and distance winner switching back to the turf…

- Good third in this class last time out

- Course and distance winner

As expected, the feature Quinte+ - Prix de Grasse – looks like a competitive affair at Cagnes-sur-Mer this afternoon with a whole host of horses appearing to have a live chance.

Big Log will likely be high on the shortlist of many, but preference goes the way of the three-time scorer and previous course and distance winner Grand Balcon, who shaped as though it wouldn't be long before he was back in the winners' circle when a good third in a similar Class 2 handicap on the all-weather here three weeks ago.

A winner of a Quinte+ course and distance handicap on ground described as Très souple this time two years ago, Grand Balcon should have no problems returning to the turf at Cagnes-sur-Mer, while a current rating of 35 looks well-within reach based on his solid runner-up effort off a mark of 37.5 in a similar race twelve months ago.

I'd expect Anthony Crastus to be positive from his potentially kind draw in stall two and with that in mind, this consistent seven-year-old makes plenty of appeal as he bids to regain the winning thread back at a venue he clearly excels at.