Connections delighted with gallant effort in defeat at York.
Ghostwriter's Next Move: Irish Champion Stakes Under Serious Consideration After Stellar York Performance
A Rising Star on the Horizon
The racing world is buzzing with speculation as Clive Cox's talented colt, Ghostwriter, is under serious consideration for the prestigious Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes. This comes on the heels of his remarkable performance in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York, where he finished strongly behind Aidan O'Brien's City Of Troy, a race that also saw the shattering of Sea The Stars' 10-furlong course record. Although Ghostwriter is yet to add a win to his tally this season, his consistent high-level performances have kept his connections and racing enthusiasts optimistic about his future.
A Season of Consistency and Courage
Ghostwriter, a son of Invincible Spirit, has shown nothing but class and determination throughout his three-year-old campaign. Despite the lack of a victory this term, he has consistently competed at the highest level, displaying commendable resilience in challenging conditions. His third-place finish behind City Of Troy at the Coral Eclipse was a testament to his grit, particularly given the unsuitably soft ground that day. His return to a quicker surface at York allowed him to demonstrate his true capabilities, solidifying his position as a serious contender in the upper echelons of flat racing.
Clive Cox, the master trainer, couldn't hide his satisfaction with Ghostwriter's effort at York, stating, "It was an amazing race and I was very pleased with his performance. He's run a super race, and I think he confirmed 10 furlongs is his trip at the moment." This acknowledgment of Ghostwriter's aptitude over 10 furlongs hints at where his future engagements may lie, with the Irish Champion Stakes being a prime target.
The Irish Champion Stakes: A Worthy Challenge
As the racing calendar moves towards the autumn, the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown looms as a potential next stop for Ghostwriter. This race, part of the Irish Champions Festival, is known for attracting the best middle-distance horses from across the globe. While City Of Troy, who is likely Breeders' Cup-bound, may not be in the lineup, the race is still expected to feature an all-star cast. The Ghostwriter camp, led by owner Jeff Smith, is weighing their options carefully, taking into account the horse's well-being and the prevailing weather conditions in Dublin.
Cox emphasized the importance of giving Ghostwriter the necessary time to recover and assess his condition before committing to any decisions. "I'm pleased with the way he has come out of the race, and we will give him another week to see where we are and speak with Jeff to plan our way forwards from here according to the ground really," Cox explained. This cautious approach reflects the high stakes involved in making the right choice for Ghostwriter's next race, ensuring that the conditions are perfect for him to shine.
Ghostwriter's Potential Path Forward
While the Irish Champion Stakes is a serious contender, Cox and his team are not rushing into any decisions. The preference for 10 furlongs is clear, but other factors, including the weather and the strength of the competition, will play a crucial role in the final decision. With Ghostwriter showing such promise on his preferred ground at York, there's a sense of optimism within the camp that his next outing could see him finally break through with a victory.
The coming weeks will be crucial as the Ghostwriter team carefully monitor his progress and weigh their options. Whether it's a trip to Leopardstown or another venue, the racing world will be watching closely to see where this talented colt lines up next. The anticipation is palpable, with fans eager to see if Ghostwriter can translate his consistent performances into a well-deserved win at the highest level.
Ghostwriter's journey this season is a compelling narrative of resilience and potential. Despite the absence of a victory, his performances have been marked by courage and consistency in some of the toughest races. As Clive Cox and Jeff Smith deliberate over his next move, it's clear that Ghostwriter is on the cusp of something special. The decision to target the Irish Champion Stakes or another prestigious event will be pivotal, not just for this season, but for his future career as a top-class racehorse. Racing fans should keep a close eye on this story—Ghostwriter's next chapter promises to be an exciting one.
