Ghostwriter anticipates enjoying a rise in French Derby distance

When Ghostwriter competes in the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly on Sunday, he will have the opportunity to improve his 2000 Guineas form even more.

Out of the twenty-one colts remaining in the French Derby, Clive Cox's Newmarket fourth is one of the most encouraged by the way the horses that finished close to him in the race won by Notable Speech performed over the weekend.

The Irish Guineas on Saturday was dominated by the Richard Hannon combination of Rosallion and Haatem, who finished second and third at HQ. Meanwhile, Kevin Ryan's Inisherin, who led for a considerable distance until fading into sixth place, defeated Vandeek in the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock.

“I’m very pleased indeed with him, he’s had a healthy timeframe between the Guineas and this weekend,” said Cox. “He’s pleased me very much indeed and the form of the Guineas has worked out brilliantly, with Kevin’s horse winning as well as Richard’s two finishing first and second in Ireland, so we’re very happy. We’ve been looking forward to stepping him up to a mile and a quarter, more importantly. He did really well last year when he was unbeaten and winning over a mile at two would give us every indication that he should get a little bit further this year. I hope we fare well in the draw and I’m really looking forward to it.”