Johnston gives attraction go-ahead
Attraction looks likely to line up for the Prix Jacques Le Marois at Deauville tomorrow after trainer Mark Johnston walked the course at the French track this afternoon.
The dual Guineas winner’s bid to bag her fourth Group One contest looked in doubt yesterday after a freak storm hit the area on Thursday night, soaking the ground and softening conditions to heavy.
However, after inspecting the course, Johnston said today: “As things stand she will run. We’ll keep monitoring the situation, though, just in case anything unforeseen happens – such as rain overnight – or if there is a change for the worse tomorrow.
“I walked the track and it was soft, and I will walk it again after racing today, but I think the attitude is that we are intending to run, with some reservations as to how she will handle it.
“The forecast is supposed to be okay between now and the race and she is very well, which has influenced us to run.”
Attraction, eight times a winner in nine outings, has never raced on soft going and her three Group One victories this term were on ground described as good, good to firm and firm.
She lost her unbeaten record last time out when she finished second to Soviet Song on good to firm ground in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket.
