Out After Dark on course for Ayr
With David Nicholls waiting to see how the ground rides before committing his well-fancied pair of Ice Planet and Continent, punters have latched onto Cox's charge.
The four-year-old, who will be aiming to follow up his win in the Portland at Doncaster last week, has been cut from 10-1 into the 8-1 clear favourite with Ladbrokes after solid support.
Out After Dark will have to shoulder a 5lb penalty for his Doncaster win and Cox, like Nicholls, would like to see a shower or two before the six-furlong showpiece.
"I wouldn't mind a drop either, to be honest," he said. "It certainly doesn't look like they are going to get much rain at all. He's pretty versatile. He does seem to be effective on all kinds of ground."
Apprentice rider Adam Kirby was aboard the gelding at Doncaster and he is set to maintain the partnership at Ayr using his important 5lb claim.
"The handicapper has put him up 4lb, we are going to take a chance and run even though we have 5lb penalty," added Cox. "Adam will take off a valuable 5lb once more.
"He's come out of the race really well and he deserves to have a crack."
Another trainer keeping a close eye on the ground situation is William Muir, who has the progressive Texas Gold entered in the cavalry charge.
The seven-year-old is also in the Group Three Dubai International Airport World Trophy at Newbury, a race in which he finished fourth behind The Tatling last year.
Muir is leaning towards that contest at present but he has yet to take a look at the Ayr field and will consider the weather forecast at both tracks as he is seeking quick ground.
One runner who is on course for the race is the Roger Charlton-trained Pike Bishop, currently a 25-1 chance with William Hill.
He is one of the few three-year-olds entered in the sprint but after looking a useful contender last year, he has yet to show winning form and Charlton is hoping a first-time visor will work the oracle on Saturday.
"I think he should get into the race and at the moment my plan is to run him," said Charlton.
"I'm going to run him in a visor. He worked very well this morning with it on."
: 8-1 Out After Dark, 10-1 Continent, Fonthill Road, Ice Planet, 12-1 Fantasy Believer, Intrepid Jack, 14-1 Traytonic, 16-1 Mutamared, Partners In Jazz, Presto Shinko, Texas Gold, 20-1 Chookie Heiton, Fictional, Khabfair, Majestic Times, Orientor, Peace Offering, 25-1 bar.
