Ghostwriter to step up in search for success

Ghostwriter is to step up in trip after finishing sixth in the red-hot renewal of the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh.

Clive Cox’s four-year-old has been something of a nearly horse since winning the Royal Lodge at two, running well in the Guineas, French Derby, Eclipse and the International at York without getting his head in front.

This year began with another solid effort in Dubai, but after clipping heels just beyond halfway in Ireland he never looked like winning and Cox thinks now is the time to go further with him.

“He was on the back foot a little after clipping heels but that said I think the pace was so strong, it was a very fast time,” said Cox.

“I’m looking forwards to stepping him up in trip. I think after seeing that performance and seeing how he has matured mentally, that is the next step now.

“He’s performed well enough without managing to get his head in front once again, but hopefully stepping up in trip will allow him to show a little bit more progress.

“I’m not quite sure where we’ll do that, we’ll see how he comes out of the race first.

“It wasn’t ideal clipping heels as Rossa (Ryan) reported, but I’m not looking for any excuses. It was a strong race and it was another good performance, just not quite good enough on the day.

“Stepping up in trip, with maturity, is something we’ve talked about before and I think now is the time to take that step.”