Rain set to dash Attraction bid
A decision on Attraction’s participation in the Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes will be left until tomorrow morning but heavy rain looks likely to rule her out.
The dual Guineas winner is due to face eight rivals in the mile Group One at Leopardstown although with the ground expected to ride on the soft side, trainer Mark Johnston may withdraw his stable star.
“If it goes good to soft she won’t be running. She’s over there now and we’re are very happy with her, but the weather may just catch us out,” said Johnston’s wife Deirdre.
“Everyone keeps telling me they’ve had a lot of rain over there but we are not going to make a decision until probably tomorrow morning.
“She obviously likes fast ground and we don’t want to run her if conditions are not ideal.”
Should Attraction be ruled out, the four-year-old will instead tackle the Grade One Atto Mile in Canada on Sunday week.
“There was a flight on Saturday but we’ll leave it until Thursday,” added Mrs Johnston.
“She will come back to England from Ireland and then get a flight from Amsterdam on Thursday – she’s in terrific shape and whatever race we go for, I’d expect a good run.”
Attraction is due to be partnered by Kevin Darley, and he added: “If she doesn’t run it will be shame but it won’t be the end of the world because she’s in grand form and the Canada race looks a good one to go for.”
Sir Michael Stoute’s Chic bounced back to form when landing back-to-back renewals of the Celebration Mile and will take her chance as one of four British runners.
John Gosden’s Karen’s Caper was most recently seen finishing fourth behind last year’s Matron Stakes winner Soviet Song in the Falmouth Stakes, and she will have her first run since Newmarket with Mick Channon’s Majestic Desert completing the raiding party.
The latter had been a shade disappointing before rediscovering her form with a wide-margin success in the Oak Tree Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, and Channon reports her to be in the form of her life.
“She did a lovely bit of work on the summer ground and has really hit top form,” he said.
“Some of my horses, including her, are just starting to go in their coats but I don’t see it as a problem and the way she went on Tuesday tells me she’s as good as ever.”
Irish 1000 Guineas winner Saoire heads the home defence with Dermot Weld double-handed having declared Utterly Heaven and Miss Mambo.
He told At The Races of the latter: “It’s ambitious but she’s a Stakes-winning filly that’s Group-One trained. She is beautifully bred and she goes to take her chance.
“I’m happy with her and I think Leopardstown will suit her. I just hope she runs a good race, which I think she will.
“The headgear helps her concentrate. She’s a very lazy and laid-back individual and that’s why we put it on.”
Paul Nolan’s consistent Sky High Flyer and Aidan O’Brien’s 1000 Guineas winner Virginia Waters complete the field.
