Star Attraction All Set For Leopardstown

Attraction is in 'flying form' ahead of Saturday´s Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes at Leopardstown.

The Mark Johnston-trained four-year-old finished second behind the year-older Soviet Song in the Group One event last season and connections are hoping she can improve on that this time.

Attraction has had just two runs so far this season, disappointing in Hong Kong in May before returning to action when fourth on unsuitably easy ground in the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury last month.

Deirdre Johnston, the trainer´s wife and assistant, believes the Efisio filly is now right back on form following her outing at the Berkshire track.

She told At The Races: 'I can´t wait - she´s in flying form. She´s just turned the corner completely, we did the right thing running her at Newbury.

'Although it was only seven furlongs and the rain came and it didn´t suit her, she´s just come out of the race bouncing.

'I couldn´t believe the difference when I rode her one day when her regular rider was on holiday. She pulled like a train whereas before Newbury she would go up there on a long rein and just lob along.

'She´s the lightest weight she has been all year and I´m really excited about Saturday.

'We are just counting down the days now and hoping it doesn´t rain.'

Attraction, winner of the English and Irish 1000 Guineas last year, could face as many as 13 rivals in Saturday´s ?162,500 event, including both of this year´s Guineas winners.

Newmarket heroine Virginia Waters is one of two entries for Aidan O´Brien along with Mona Lisa, while Irish Guineas victor Saoire could represent Frances Crowley.

Alexander Goldrun, winner of the Nassau Stakes on her last start, has been entered by trainer Jim Bolger but also holds an alternative engagement in the Baileys Irish Champion Stakes on the same card.

A strong British-trained contingent is headed by Sir Michael Stoute´s Celebration Mile winner Chic, together with the John Gosden-trained Karen´s Caper, Mick Channon´s Majestic Desert and Gerard Butler´s Tarfah.

Local runners Best Side, Lock And Key, Miss Mambo, Sky High Flyer and Utterly Heaven complete the possibles.

? PA Sport