ALL eyes will be on Mark Johnston's dual Classic winner Attraction (2.55) at Newmarket today, although the Middleham trainer has admitted he hopes the rain stays away.

"We would like to see the ground dry out, we don't want to see any hint of soft," said Mark, who wouldn't be afraid of pulling Attraction out of the £200,000 Falmouth Stakes if underfoot conditions deteriorated.

The Duke Of Roxburghe's star filly is bidding not only to stretch her unbeaten run to nine, she's also attempting to take on and beat older horses for the first time in order to pick up her fourth Group 1 event in a row.

"It was very convenient for us that they decided to upgrade the Falmouth Stakes to a Group 1 this year, it has fitted in perfectly with out plans for Attraction, she's absolutely fine," added Mark.

Fellow northern handler Alan Swinbank could also be in the money if his smart gelding Red Romeo (1.50) completes a three-timer in the £60,000 totesport Rated Stakes.

Kieren Fallon was aboard when Red Romeo destroyed decent fields at both Pontefract and Windsor, and clearly the champion was mightily impressed since he has opted to maintain the partnership even though he's bound to have been given the choice of several mounts in the 20-runner cavalry charge.

In the later Fillies' Rated Handicap, Fallon might well find himself back in the winners' enclosure courtesy of Peeress (4.05) for his boss, Sir Michael Stoute.

Peeress was described as a late-maturing type by connections when she picked up her second race in succession at Thirsk in June. Typical of Sir Michael's style of training she's been given plenty of time to freshen up from outing and there's little doubt in my mind that Peeress can develop into a high-class performer as the season progresses.

The sprints at Pontefract generally serve to swell the bookies' satchels yet further, and the wide-open six-furlong £20,000 St Giles Handicap looks to be no exception.

Strictly on a matter of speed ratings Undeterred (3.10) is top dog, so with David's Barron's string continuing to be in rude health, the eight-year-old represents a solid each-way choice with the excellent Seb Sanders doing the steering.

Lisa Jones, who is on the threshold of riding out her 3lb apprentices' claim, can take a step closer to being a fully-fledged jockey by booting home Sharp Secret (4.55) in the King Richard 111 Handicap.

The young South African was seen to particularly good effect when producing Sharp Secret with a smooth late run to collect the spoils over track and trip last time out.

Rather generously the Official Handicapper has only raised the James Toller-trained filly a couple of pounds for the win, a rare act of largesse that may prove foolish to ignore.