Falmouth still on Attraction agenda despite recent setback

HOPES are high that Attraction (left) will keep her Group One date at Newmarket next Tuesday despite her recent setback.

Last season’s English and Irish 1000 Guineas winner was on course for the UAE Equestrian And Racing Federation Falmouth Stakes until she bruised a foot when a shoe slipped off about 10 days ago.

However, she has been making good progress and could still make the rematch with Soviet Song, who ended her unbeaten record last July in the £200,000 contest over a mile.

“Everything seems fine. The leg is alright and her weight is coming down. She will work at the weekend and we are keeping our fingers crossed that we get her there on Tuesday,” said trainer Mark Johnston’s wife Deirdre yesterday.

Attraction’s only run so far this season ended in disappointment when she was 11th of 13 to Bullish Luck in the Champions Mile in Hong Kong nearly seven weeks ago.

Impressive Salisbury scorer Teeba could step into the big league next week and take on proven Group-race fillies at Newmarket.

Connections will consider the Falmouth as well as a Listed race at Sandown on Saturday, but early indications are that they feel the John Dunlop-trained three-year-old could cope with the huge step up in class.

Owner Sheikh Hamdan’s racing manager Angus Gold said: “She has limited experience, but we’ve always thought she was a nice filly.”