News

Manhattan Rain pressing for juvenile crown

19th Apr 2009

The Daily Telegraph - Brent Zerafa - Monday, 20 April 2009

MANHATTAN Rain will further enhance his claims to be crowned champion two-year-old if he wins the Group One Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday.

Magic Millions and Golden Slipper winner Phelan Ready is likely to get the honour but the Gai Waterhouse-trained colt could make things interesting if he can secure his second Group One race in as many weeks.

The cracking colt - reported to be worth upwards of $15 million, being a half-brother of champion sire Redoute's Choice - also placed third in the Golden Slipper and won the Skyline Stakes.

One person keen to spoil his party is trainer John O'Shea, who is hoping Tickets can turn the tables on Manhattan Rain after battling out the finish and placing second in the Sires Produce (1400m) last Saturday.

O'Shea is looking forward to the return clash and believes the rise in distance will suit his colt.

"He has been after the trip so hopefully things work out," O'Shea said.

Jockey Hugh Bowman was trapped wide on Tickets in the early stages of the Sires Produce before electing to stride forward.

Onemorenomore caught the eye with a fast-finishing fourth in the Sires and trainer Jason Coyle indicated his star colt would also back-up in the Champagne Stakes.

The Nathan Tinkler-owned galloper copped his fair share of interference before displaying a strong turn of speed over the concluding stages