After a bad performance, Cox is taking time to decide his next move

Clive Cox is taking a measured approach with Ghostwriter following the colt's fourth-place finish in his second Classic of the season on Sunday. Owned by Jeff Smith, Ghostwriter trailed three and three-quarter lengths behind the impressive winner, Look De Vega, in the French Derby at Chantilly.

This performance followed another commendable run in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. Cox attributed Ghostwriter's slightly dulled turn of foot in France to the rain-softened ground and intends to keep him on quicker ground in the future.

"He put in a really commendable effort, but I believe the heavy rain in the past week may have blunted his finishing kick," Cox remarked. "While Ghostwriter coped reasonably well with the ground, quicker conditions would have suited him better."

"Most importantly," Cox added, "I'm delighted with his post-race condition. He has emerged from the race in excellent shape, which is very satisfying."