Trainer may also be represented in the Nunthorpe Stakes with Kerdos.
Clive Cox's Ghostwriter is preparing to compete at the Knavesmire in the upcoming Juddmonte International at York. The colt, sired by Invincible Spirit, maintained an unbeaten record at the age of two and continued to demonstrate his potential with a fourth-place finish in the 2000 Guineas during his first outing as a three-year-old. He also secured fourth place in the Prix du Jockey Club, which is regarded as France's equivalent to the Derby. Following this, he participated in the Coral-Eclipse, where he delivered a commendable performance, finishing third, just two lengths behind City Of Troy. Al Riffa, who subsequently won a Group One race in Germany, was the only other horse to finish ahead of him. Ghostwriter will face another significant challenge at the same level when he enters the Juddmonte International next week. Cox expressed optimism, stating, "I believe we were close enough last time to remain hopeful for a similar performance."
The rainfall experienced the previous night at Sandown may have slightly influenced our performance; therefore, I am optimistic about competing at York on favorable ground conditions. "We have been satisfied with his development. He remained unbeaten at two years old and has performed admirably this year. "During his recent race at a mile and a quarter in the Eclipse, he demonstrated commendable ability against City Of Troy and Al Riffa, the latter of whom validated the form with a Group One victory in Germany yesterday. "We are bringing a strong level of form and are hopeful that the ground will remain on the drier side, which would be beneficial for him. I am pleased that he has had a sufficient interval since his last race, and he continues to impress me with his growth, progress, and training at home. "He is in excellent condition, and I am very content. We have developed a thorough understanding of him, and he follows a well-established routine at home. I trust this will enable him to arrive at York in optimal form."
Cox may also have a representative in the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes on the Friday of the event, with Kerdos potentially participating in the five-furlong Group One race. The horse finished fifth behind Big Evs in the King George Qatar Stakes, having been defeated by two lengths in his most recent outing. However, he will require softer ground conditions to be considered for the Nunthorpe. Cox remarked, "He is a sprinter who is gaining strength and confidence as we progress. Following his victory in the Temple earlier this year, I am fully confident that he will resume his winning ways shortly. "He performed admirably at Goodwood, particularly given that he carried a Group Two penalty. We were very satisfied with that effort. He has emerged from the race in excellent condition. "The ground was rather firm for him at Goodwood, and we have not yet confirmed our participation at York. We will be monitoring the weather forecast closely. Ideally, we would prefer drier conditions for Ghostwriter, while Kerdos would benefit from some rainfall."
