Ghostwriter prepares to compete at Leopardstown

Ghostwriter is in "excellent form" as he prepares to compete in the prestigious Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday, where he will face a strong lineup of eight horses.

Aidan O’Brien, who has dominated this race in recent years with five consecutive wins, will once again be a major presence. His formidable stable includes Auguste Rodin, Luxembourg, Irish Derby winner Los Angeles, and the outsider Hans Anderson, expected to take up his usual role as the pacemaker.

This year’s race also features a notable British challenge led by William Haggas’ Economics, who built on his impressive Dante win with a strong performance in Deauville’s Prix Guillaume d’Ornano.

Clive Cox’s Ghostwriter, a consistent performer, makes the trip from Britain after finishing fourth in the 2000 Guineas and the Prix du Jockey Club, and securing minor placings behind City Of Troy in both the Eclipse and Juddmonte International Stakes.

O’Brien’s top contender, a son of Justify, is being prepared for the Breeders’ Cup later this fall, so Ghostwriter will face a still-strong Ballydoyle contingent. Nevertheless, Cox is pleased with his horse’s condition ahead of the race.

"Ghostwriter is en route to Ireland as we speak, and I’m really pleased with him," said Cox. "He’s in excellent form and has bounced back well from his run at York, where he put in a fantastic effort. We’re hopeful the ground at Leopardstown remains on the good side, as better conditions will suit him perfectly. We’re very excited about this opportunity."

Completing the British entries is Karl Burke’s Royal Rhyme. Additionally, Japan’s Shin Emperor, trained by Yoshito Yahagi and expected to contend for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe next month, will make his journey from the Far East to compete in this Group One event.