IT is a sign of the time of year that tomorrow's domestic fare is made up of three National Hunt meetings - with the best of the Flat action taking place across the Channel.

Taking pride of place on Longchamp's televised programme is the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe, Europe's most prestigious all-aged middle-distance event, which could fall to a horse with a strong York connection.

Islington, who represents Newmarket trainer Sir Michael Stoute and former Norton-based jockey Kieren Fallon, won the Yorkshire Oaks on Knavesmire in August, having started the season with a victory in the Musidora Stakes on the same course.

Her latest success was gained in the style of a top-notch performer and, despite the prescence of Aidan O'Brien's dual-Derby winner High Chaparral, and the best France can muster - notably Sulamani and Aquarelliste - she is fancied to emerge triumphant in a not-to-be-missed contest, televised live on BBC2 at 4-30pm.

The first-class Longchamp card also includes the Prix de L'Abbeye over five furlongs.

North Yorkshire trainers David Nicholls and Kevin Ryan figure among the British challengers for this Group One sprint, with Nicholls saddling both Continent and Bahamian Pirate and Ryan represented by Halmahera.

Strictly on form, the Nicholls duo look the stronger, and of those Continent, who beat Bahamian Pirate in the July Cup at Newmarket in mid-summer, looks the best proposition.

Looking at the jumpers after delving into the Longchamp card is something of an anti-climax, but worth noting at Market Rasen is Rutledge Red, trained at Norton by Malcolm Jefferson.

The six-year-old scored impressively on this course last time out and looks a horse with a bright future.

The promising Mamideos looks the one to be in the Paul Wieseman Electrical Novices' Hurdle, while a brace of runners from the Mick Easterby yard are also worthy of consideration; Ridgeway (3-40) and Frankie Anson (5-20).

Up at Kelso, the nap vote is awarded to Welsh Main in the NSCPCC Full Stop Handicap Hurdle.

Simon Magnier's gelding is virtually a winner without a penalty, having come to grief at the final flight at Perth last time when looking to have his race in the bag.

Prolific winner Divet Hill (3-20) and the highly-regarded The Masareti Kid (4-20) are also worth noting at the Borders track.

Tommorow's tips:

Longchamo: 2-00 Continent; 4-30 Islington

Market Rasen: 2-10 Sovereign, 2-40 Mamideos, 3-10 Misty Ridge, 3-40 Ridgeway, 4-10 Rutledge Red, 4-45 Little Brown Bear

5-20 Frankie Anson

Kelso: 2-20 Dazzling Rio, 2-50 Lucky Mick, 3-20 Divet Hill, 3-50 Welsh Main (NAP), 4-20 The Masareti Kid, 4-55 Pluto

Updated: 13:16 Saturday, October 05, 2002