Clive Cox’s Ghostwriter is preparing to compete in the Juddmonte International at York, aiming to make a strong impression on the Knavesmire.
The Invincible Spirit colt ended his two-year-old season unbeaten and has continued to show promise, finishing fourth in the 2000 Guineas in his three-year-old debut. He also secured a fourth-place finish in the Prix du Jockey Club, France’s equivalent of the Derby. Most recently, he performed admirably in the Coral-Eclipse, finishing third behind City Of Troy, just two lengths off the winner. Al Riffa, who is now a Group One winner in Germany, was the only other horse ahead of him, indicating a competitive field as Ghostwriter heads into the Juddmonte International next week.
Clive Cox believes that Ghostwriter’s recent performance keeps them optimistic about a similar result in the upcoming race. He noted that the rainfall before their last race at Sandown might have affected their performance, and expressed hope for favourable ground conditions at York.
Cox is pleased with Ghostwriter’s development, highlighting his unbeaten record at two and his strong performances this year. He pointed out that Ghostwriter stepped up successfully to a mile and a quarter in the Eclipse, competing against notable horses like City Of Troy and Al Riffa, who has since confirmed the form with a Group One win.
Cox expressed confidence in Ghostwriter's condition leading up to the race, stating that he is satisfied with the colt’s fitness and progress. He is optimistic that their established routine at home will result in a strong performance at York.
In addition to Ghostwriter, Cox may also have a runner in the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes on the Friday of the meeting, with Kerdos potentially entering the five-furlong Group One event. Kerdos finished fifth behind Big Evs in the King George Qatar Stakes last time out, just two lengths off the pace, but he will require softer ground to make his mark in the Nunthorpe.
Clive Cox described Kerdos as a sprinter who is growing in strength and confidence. He expressed confidence in the horse’s future victories following his win at the Temple earlier in the year. Cox commended Kerdos's performance at Goodwood, noting the challenge of running under a Group Two penalty, and reported that the horse had emerged from the race in excellent condition.
Cox acknowledged that the ground at Goodwood was somewhat firm for Kerdos. While a final decision on racing at York has not been made, he will be closely monitoring the weather. Cox ideally hopes for drier ground for Ghostwriter and rain for Kerdos.