Three run-of-the-mill jumping meetings is the sum total of racing action in Britain tomorrow, but Flat enthusiasts will have eyes only for France, where the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe - televised live on BBC2 - takes pride of place at Longchamp.

North Light, successful at York in May, heads the betting market in this most prestigious of European middle-distance races.

Representing Sir Michael Stoute and Kieren Fallon, the classy three-year-old, winner of the Vodafone Derby at Epsom in June, has not been seen out since finishing second to Grey Swallow in the Irish equivalent three weeks later.

Talented horse, though he is, it is asking a lot of North Light to pick up the winning thread in this tough contest after such a lengthy break, Indeed, he will do well to reverse the placings with Grey Swallow, who underlined his well-being with a cracking effort in last month's Irish Champion Stakes and who is a supplementary enrty in the Arc.

The tough-as-teak Warrsan, trained by Clive Britain, and dual-Oaks heroine Ouija Board, trained by Ed Dunlop and the mount of Johnny Murtagh, strengthen the British challenge, but it could well be one of the home-team who will put them in their place in this 21-strong field.

Valixir, trained by Andre Fabre, who has won this race a record five times, carries plenty of confidence. Winner of the Prix Niel over this course and distance last time, idling in front, and scoring with more in hand than the nose-verdict might suggest.

A high-class horse, trained specifically for this race, Valixir, a son of Trempolino, who was an Arc winner, looks the one to spoil the overseas challenge. Grey Swallow might be the one to follow him home.

The Prix de l'Abbeye, the famous speed-test over five furlongs, is a cracking supporting event to the Arc, and North Yorkshire trainer David Nicholls will be doubly represented by Continent, a past winner of this race, and Bahamian Prince, winner of the Nunthorpe Stakes at York in August.

But the Nicholls pair may have to play a supporting role to Patavellian, winner of this race 12 months ago, who looks ripe for a repeat after a cracking third-placed effort in the Haydock Sprint Cup last month over six furlongs. Tomorrow's return to the minimum trip will suit him perfectly.

Back to the domestic action, and Keith Reveley, who took over from his mother Mary last month, could project his new career with winners at both Kelso and Market Rasen.

Golden Odyssey runs at the latter, and will surely take all the beating on her jumping bow in the UK Oil And Gas 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle. Twice a winner in bumpers last season, the four-year-old looks to have a bright future.

Il Cavaliere, a winner on the Flat and over hurdles, is fancied to gain his first win over fences in the North Lincs Coursing Club Beginners' Chase.

Andrew Thornton has the mount on the nine-year-old, who ran well enough at Perth recently to suggest he can win this modest event.

Up at Kelso, Reveley, who is based at Lingdale in Cleveland, can score with Hernando's Boy in the gg.com Juvenile Novices' Hurdle and also Broctune Melody in the Radio Borders Novices' Hurdle. Both horses ran with promise at Perth a couple of weeks ago.

At Market Rasen, my Nap vote is awarded to Sir Walter in the Listers Chrysler Jeep Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle.

A facile winner of a seller last time out, Sir Walter, who is in the twilight of his career, should have had his confidence boosted by that victory. A follow-up is on the cards in a race little better than selling-grade.

Sunday's tips:

Kelso

2.20 Hernando's Boy, 2.50 Were Not Stoppin, 3.25 Wildfield Rufo, 4.00 Gianluca, 4.35 Broctune Melody, 5.05 Billy Two Rivers.

Market Rasen

2.10 Sir Walter (Nap), 2.40 It's Definite, 3.15 Il Cavaliere, 3.50 Qabas, 4.25 Golden Dynasty, 4.55 The Merry Mason.

Longchamp

1.55 Patavellian, 4.30 Valixir.

Tomorrow's other race meeting in England is at Uttoxeter.

Updated: 10:16 Saturday, October 02, 2004