A breathtaking performance by the brilliant French filly, Zarkava, as she won the Prix Vermielle, one of three trials for the Pix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longhamp, quickly had the bookies running scared.

Owned by the Aga Khan, Zarkava was already favourite for the Paris classic but she shortened significantly in the ante-post market after her win.

Coral slashed her to 6-4 favouritism, with William Hill going 7-4 and totesport and Ladbrokes offering 2-1 about her beating the colts in Paris on October 5.

The three-year-old, unbeaten in her six races, lost many lengths after being stuck in the stalls at the start and was still last, a long way behind the leader as the field swung into the straight but jockey Christophe Soumillon appeared unconcerned, even though British hope Da Re Mi stretched her lead at the front.

Making up ground on the outside effortlessly, Zarkava (8-15) cruised up the straight to catch and pass the John Gosden-trained filly, an 8-1 chance, in the last 100 yards, with another French candidate, Treat Gently, at 16-1, third.

There was a decent performance, too, by French Derby winner Vision d'Etat, who kept his unbeaten record when he beat fellow French hope Ideal World and Gosden's Centennial in the Prix Niel but it was a workmanlike, rather than exciting, display, albeit the colt was running after a long absence.

Zambesi Sun just pipped Godolphin's German star Schiaparelli, with French filly Light Green third.

In Ireland, Mark Johnston's Gimcrack Stakes winner, Shaweel, was just beaten in a photo-finish by Aidan O'Brien's Mastercraftsman in the Bank of Scotland National Stakes. Both look likely candidates for next year's 2000 Guineas.

However, the star of a sparkling Sunday was undoubtedly Zarkava. No filly has won the Arc since Urban Sea in 1993, while the last filly to complete the Vermeille-Arc double was Three Troikas 29 years ago. The evidence of yesterday's trials suggests those records will be emulated next month.

Back in the UK, Conduit, who ended Sir Michal Stoute's St Leger hoodoo at Doncaster, could be aimed at the major middle-distance races next season.

"I don't know if he'll run again this season, but the main thing is that he's a nice horse for next year," said Peter Reynolds, racing manager to owners Ballymacoll stud in Ireland.

Favourite Frozen Fire was a big let-down for the all conquering Aidan O'Brien yard, never getting into the race, but there was still a major celebration for the Ballydoyle stable after Septimus coasted to victory in the Irish Field St Leger to give O'Brien his 19th Group 1 success of the season.

Meanwhile, Musselburgh today kicks off a big week in Scottish racing, with the Ayr Festival coming up on Thursday, highlighted by the Gold Cup on Saturday.

Perhaps the most interesting race at the East Lothian track is the totesuper7 Handicap over a mile and six furlongs, which brings together again course rivals Danzatrice, Nero West, Kyber and Flamed Amazement.

They made up the first four over this track and trip two weeks ago but this time the three behind Danzatrice are better off, by 7lb, 8lb and 9lb respectively.

It might well be that Danzatrice will repeat that success but frontrunner Nero West (3.20), a tough customer who likes this track, may hold off his rivals this time.