Mark Johnston and Ripon's clerk of the course, James Hutchinson, have teamed up to try and ensure the unbeaten star filly Attraction enjoys a perfect preparation for next Sunday's Ultimatebet.com 1,000 Guineas, writes Colin Woods.

Johnston had hoped to take Attraction, rated the leading filly in Europe at the end of 2003, to work at Pontefract last Monday, but he was thwarted by torrential rain, which nearly caused the abandonment of the meeting.

Mark then pencilled in Ripon and contacted Hutchinson, who was keen to co-operate. "I asked James if we could gallop Attraction before racing started when the ground would not be chewed up.

"James said there would be people on the course at that time, however he suggested we worked Attraction between the second and third races. It was his idea and he deserves the credit for being so positive," revealed Johnston.

For his part, Hutchinson was delighted to be able to help. "It's a great showpiece for Ripon racecourse and we are more than happy to assist in trying to secure another Guineas' win for the North," he reported.

Attraction is due to be partnered in the six-furlong spin by her regular big-race jockey, Kevin Darley. Accompanying them will be Joe Fanning aboard stable-companion Caracara, the impressive winner of a seven-and-a-half furlong maiden event at Beverley last August.

"Everything has gone to plan including the most recent gallop on Middleham High Moor, but we just want to remind her what it's all about by taking her for an outing to the racecourse," said Mark.

In using the facilities at Ripon, Mark is taking almost the identical path steered by his only other Classic scorer, Mister Baileys, successful in the 1994 2,000 Guineas. "The only difference was that Mister Baileys galloped here on the Sunday morning before the Guineas, rather than Saturday afternoon," explained Hutchinson.

Attraction is bidding to end a drought for northern-trained fillies in the 1,000 Guineas which stretches back to 1977 and the Eddie Hide ridden, Mrs McArdy, victorious for Sheriff Hutton handler, Mick Easterby.

Owned by the Duke of Roxburge, Attraction, currently the 13-2 second favourite to Sir Michael Stoute's Red Bloom, is likely to shorten a point or two if she pleases her trainer and jockey in front of what is certain to be a jam-packed grandstand at Ripon this afternoon.