Cox Plate betting contender impresses in workout

Star colt and Cox Plate chance Manhattan Rain could be ready to fulfil more of his considerable promise following a strong workout this week.

Valued at between $20 million to $50 million according to some pundits, he's a 26.00 shout for the October 24 Plate with Centrebet and has already attracted much attention thanks to his star pedigree.

On Wednesday trainer Gai Waterhouse gave an update on his progress, saying through her website: "Manhattan Rain made his appearance in blinkers as he was working solo and I wanted him to fully concentrate on the gallop.

"Even though I asked Nash (Rawiller) to let him bowl solidly over 1200m he strolled through the early sectionals before picking up at the 1000m.

"The strength and power of the gallop and the way the colt finished off his work was super and Nash was over the moon."

Much attention is focused on the colt thanks to his star billing and the fact he appeared off form earlier in the year and was scratched from the Danehill Stakes.

However, he impressed in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude earlier this month, coming third just behind another star colt, Trusting.

Current Cox Plate favourite is Whobegotyou, on 4.00, followed by Heart Of Dreams, Maldivian and Predatory Pricer, all on 8.00 with Centrebet.