Rainfall in line for Matron raid

MARK Johnston is favouring a tilt at the Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday for his talented filly Rainfall.

After beating off the colts to win the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot, the three-year-old went on to finish third in Newmarket’s Falmouth Stakes and then fifth behind wonder mare Goldikova in the Prix Rothschild.

While she also holds an entry in Saturday’s Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock, a trip across the Irish Sea is currently dominating Johnston’s thoughts, with stable companion Sea Lord lining up in the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes on the same card.