Ghostwriter Poised to Make His Mark in Fierce Dubai Turf Challenge

The Clive Cox-trained colt brings outstanding form against some of Europe’s top performers

Ghostwriter Brings Solid Credentials to Take On Romantic Warrior / DRC

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates—Few horses enter Saturday’s Dubai Turf (G1) at Meydan with a stronger résumé than Ghostwriter, and trainer Clive Cox is brimming with confidence that his charge can rise to the occasion in what promises to be one of the most competitive editions of the 1800-meter turf test in recent memory.

Owned by Jeff Smith, the son of Invincible Spirit was a standout juvenile, capturing the Royal Lodge Stakes (G2) at Newmarket, and proved his class time and again at three. Ghostwriter finished a strong fourth in the 2000 Guineas (G1)behind Notable Speech (Dubawi), was third in both the Eclipse Stakes (G1) and the Juddmonte International (G1)—the latter behind the brilliant City Of Troy (Justify)—and ran a close-up fifth in the Irish Champion Stakes (G1) won by Economics (Night of Thunder).

“I feel he's continued to strengthen from three to four,” said Cox. “His campaign last year was tremendously consistent. We've had a good prep back home in England and I'm very pleased with how he’s coming into this. We're hoping he can reproduce that level—or even show an improved version of himself.”

Cox emphasized the level of competition Ghostwriter has already faced. “He ran in what many considered the best race in the world last year—the Juddmonte International at York. We took on a seriously strong field, and while we have enormous respect for the global opposition here, it’s exciting to arrive with a horse of this caliber.”

Between Tuesday and Wednesday, Ghostwriter stretched his legs lightly over Meydan’s dirt track, working in company with Continuous (Heart's Cry), Aidan O’Brien’s main hope for the Dubai Gold Cup (G2).

“It was his first day out of quarantine and away from the main barn,” Cox said. “I’m thrilled with how well he traveled and how he’s adapted to everything. Now it’s just about keeping him ticking over and helping him get comfortable in these new surroundings after the long trip. It’s nice to have the sun on his back, and I couldn’t be happier with how he’s doing.”

Still, the task ahead is formidable, as Ghostwriter will lock horns with none other than Romantic Warrior (Acclamation), one of the most accomplished turf runners in the world. But if form and preparation are anything to go by, Cox’s colt is ready to make his mark on the international stage.