Ghostwriter booked for Saratoga assignment

Clive Cox is looking forward to crossing the Atlantic with Ghostwriter, who appears set for another taste of international competition in Saratoga’s Sword Dancer Stakes next month.

The son of Invincible Spirit ran with credit in the Middle East in the spring, finishing fourth in the Dubai Turf in his first race outside of Europe and having again performed admirably when stepped up in trip for the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot, Cox is now keen to head Stateside on August 9.

Cox said: “Ascot was a solid run which opens up more possibilities now going a mile and a half. At the moment we intend to take him to America at the beginning of August – that race is very much on the agenda and we’re looking forward to making plans for that.

“He relished the travelling when we took him to Dubai in the spring and I’m hoping we can travel with a little bit of confidence this time and it seems a very logical and sensible plan.”

Ghostwriter was subject of plenty of headlines prior to his run at Royal Ascot having been bought for £2million on the eve of the summer highlight by Kia Joorabchian’s Amo Racing operation.

In the race itself, he found just Charlie Appleby’s globetrotting Rebel’s Romance and Joseph O’Brien’s dual Group One scorer Al Riffa too good, finishing third, a performance that proves he remains a reliable model of consistency in elite company.

Cox added: “I think the Hardwicke was a Group Two in name only and it was full of very creditable Group One performers really, but I was thrilled he hit the line well and proved the mile and a half trip is going to be suitable.

“I think he’s become very professional and is also supremely consistent, his race record is really admirable and I’m pleased to be a part of his training and very happy with how he’s come out of Ascot as well.”