Cox relishingEclipsechallengewithGhostwriter

Clive Cox can’t wait to see Ghostwriter on much drier ground in the Eclipse.
“I think we are all realistic about what we saw in the Derby, which was a supreme performance,” Cox said. “We are highly respectful of that, but we feel that a mile and a quarter at Sandown is the best route for Ghostwriter and just hope that conditions remain on the drier side.”
He added: “Ghostwriter has always had that little bit of a swagger and a visible confidence in everything he’s done. He’s a colt we’ve always held in high regard and he was an admirable two-year-old, when he was unbeaten and he finished off with a very good win in the Royal Lodge Stakes. I still think there’s more to come.
“His fourth in the Guineas was another commendable effort, and that form has been franked by the Hannon colts Rosallion and Haatem. They finished just in front of him at Newmarket and have flown the flag for the Guineas since in Ireland and at Royal Ascot. We hoped he’d deal with what we thought would be just slightly easier ground in France, but the times were reflective of proper soft ground and I think it just took a little bit of his punch away from him.
“We are pleased to remain at a mile and a quarter and we are very much looking forward to today. The way he finished off on the rising ground in the Royal Lodge was very pleasing and I see no reason why Sandown won’t suit him.”
Richard Kingscote, who has missed only one of Ghostwriter’s five races, is on board again for owner Smith, who enjoyed the first of many successes at this level 40 years ago.