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| Staff Writer |
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Following a gallant third-place finish behind City Of Troy in the Gr.1 Juddmonte International Stakes at York, connections of Ghostwriter are weighing up their options, with the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes emerging as a potential target.
The Leopardstown contest has a rich history of attracting top-class performers, with previous winners including the likes of Golden Horn, who followed up his 2015 victory with success in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and Roaring Lion, who used his 2018 triumph as a springboard to Gr.1 glory in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.
The Clive Cox-trained son of Invincible Spirit is yet to add to his juvenile success this term, but has acquitted himself admirably in four high-class outings against elite company. After brave efforts on unsuitably soft ground in both the French Derby and behind City Of Troy in the Coral-Eclipse, Ghostwriter relished the chance to rematch Aidan O'Brien's superstar son of Justify on a preferred quicker surface on the Knavesmire.
Although unable to turn the tables, the Jeff Smith-owned colt ran with real credit to finish on the podium in a race that smashed Sea The Stars' 10-furlong course record. The performance has left connections contemplating their next move, with the Irish Champion Stakes firmly in the mix.
Cox, speaking after the York contest, said: "We were very pleased with the performance and it was nice to see him have the chance to run on his preferred ground. 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."
The Lambourn handler added: "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 and plan our way forwards from here according on ground really. He's in the Irish Champion Stakes and that is a race under consideration and we just have to see how he is in the time being, along with the weather."
While an all-star cast is probable for the Dublin showpiece, worth approximately US$1.3 million, Breeders' Cup-bound City Of Troy is unlikely to be in attendance, potentially opening the door for Ghostwriter to claim a maiden Group One victory.
With his York exertions confirming his optimum trip to be 10 furlongs, the Irish Champion Stakes appears a logical next step for the progressive colt. However, Cox and Smith are keeping their options open, with ground conditions likely to play a crucial role in determining their star's next port of call.
As the countdown to the Irish Champions Festival begins, all eyes will be on the Ghostwriter camp, eagerly awaiting their decision on whether to tackle the Leopardstown feature.