Ghostwriter makes £2million Amo Racing transfer
Amo Racing strengthened their potential Royal Ascot hand when paying £2million to add Hardwicke Stakes entry Ghostwriter to their team.
The four-year-old won the Group Two Royal Lodge Stakes as a juvenile and while he failed to get his head in front for owner Jeff Smith and trainer Clive Cox last term, he turned in a string of fine efforts in top company, including third-placed runs in the both the Eclipse and Juddmonte International.
Ghostwriter finished fourth in the Dubai Turf back in April and could step up to a mile and a half for the first time in Saturday's Group Two in the colours of Kia Joorabchian's Amo Racing outfit after changing hands at the Goffs London Sale.
Speaking at Kensington Palace Gardens, where the sale was held, Joorabchian told Nick Luck Daily: 'To be honest, my son picked him out a little while ago and he was like 'we've got to buy this'. He's third favourite for the Hardwicke and I think he's got a chance to go up to Group One level, so we'll see.'
When asked if the Invincible Spirit colt will stay in training with Cox, Joorabchian added: 'I don't know Clive Cox but I'm sure we will meet him and we'll see.
'At the moment I'm not buying horses to stay, I'm buying them to hopefully go into our own yard but this one, I don't know yet because he's done a good job with him so we will have a chat, Alex (Elliott, bloodstock agent) knows him a little bit better so I'll get to meet him and see what we do after that.'
Amo's name also appeared in conjunction with Nick Bell after Tycoon sold for £600,000. The three-year-old has won one of his three starts for John and Thady Gosden, most recently placing third in Listed company, and he is entered in Thursday's Hampton Court Stakes.
The Andrew Balding-trained Tropical Storm, winner of the Westow Stakes last time and declared for Tuesday's King Charles III Stakes, sold to Oliver St Lawrence Bloodstock for £500,000, while Resolute Bloodstock paid £625,000 for Jersey Stakes contender Woodshauna, who was a Group Three winner last time out for Francis-Henri Graffard.
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Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Royal Ascot tips: ‘He can prove his class for a legendary duo' – Templegate's 11-2 day one NAP
TEMPLEGATE'S TIPS Royal Ascot tips: 'He can prove his class for a legendary duo' – Templegate's 11-2 day one NAP TEMPLEGATE tackles an absolutely sensational day one of Royal Ascot confident of leaving the bookies crying into their top hats. Back a horse by clicking their odds below - and bag yourself some of our best free bet offers. Advertisement GSTAAD (3.05 Ascot, nap) He did well to win on debut at Navan last time despite looking green right through the race. He wasn't helped by having to slalom for a gap entering the final furlong but got the job done. He will come on plenty for that run and can prove his class. ROSALLION (2.30 Ascot, nb) Impressive St James's Palace winner last season on quick ground. Ran well in the Lockinge when needing the run and will be fitter now. Proven in this grade and the one to beat. Advertisement TORITO (5.35 Ascot, treble) He hasn't run since his excellent third in this race 12 months ago and can make a winning comeback under top pilot Colin Keane. We know this trip and track suit and he should get his favoured decent ground too. He's clearly had problems but he goes well fresh and the Gosdens should have him ready to roll in what looks a wide-open contest. Templegate's Ascot verdicts 2.30 Advertisement ROSALLION can roar to victory in the Queen Anne. He was a brilliant St James's Palace winner here last year and shaped with real promise after 11 months off when third in the Lockinge last time. He needed the run and will be fitter now. Plus I can't ignore the fact he is already proven in this grade. Richard Hannon says he's in top form and is confident of a big run. Advertisement The front two from that race — Dancing Gemini and Lead Artist — can give him the most to do. Templegate's Queen Anne runner-by-runner guide I run through every runner in the awesome opener below, rating them out of five stars. One is the worst - five the best. CAIRO 1 CAIRO can go. Spends most of his time running over further with fair results at a slightly lower level. Drop in trip and hike in class a worry. CARL SPACKLER 3 CARL on marks. Makes debut for Aussie yard having been bought from America where he took a Keeneland Grade 1 on quick ground last time. Likes this trip and going should suit. Place hopes. DANCING GEMINI 4 LITTLE Gem. Proved he's a Group 1 miler this season thanks to a blistering comeback at Doncaster before a close second to Lead Artist in the Lockinge. He handled firm ground there but would ideally like it a bit slower. Leading chance again. DIEGO VELAZQUEZ 3 EZ does it. Smart dual Group winner at Leopardstown last year. Missed his return after playing up in stalls there last month. Has ability but this is a tough comeback and needs a career best. DOCKLANDS 3 DEEP Dock. Ascot specialist who was second in this last year. Trip suits on quick and he was unlucky in the Diomed at Epsom last time. Doesn't win many but could hit the frame again. LAKE FOREST 3 FOREST fire. Globetrotter who won a decent pot Down Under in Nov and showed promise over 7f in France last time when finishing well. Second in Commonwealth Cup last season and interesting for a place over this trip. LEAD ARTIST 4 TAKE the Lead. Won the Lockinge in game style and improving with every run. Proven at a mile and thriving. Solid claims if he backs that up in this hotter race. NOTABLE SPEECH 3 FREE Speech. Last year's Guineas winner ran a fair comeback in the Lockinge. Doesn't have much to find but ran poorly at this meeting last year. QUDDWAH 2 QUDD chewed. Two from three at Ascot over this trip and ground suits. Listed winner in France on comeback so needs more but track form a plus. ROSALLION 5 LION has teeth. Impressive St James's Palace winner last season on quick ground. Ran well in the Lockinge when needing the run and will be fitter now. Proven in this grade and the one to beat. 3.05 GSTAAD did well to win on debut at Navan last time despite looking green right through the race. He wasn't helped by having to slalom for a gap entering the final furlong but got the job done. Advertisement He will come on plenty for that run and can prove his class in a race. Military Code showed his liking for this track when battling to win here over 5f last time. He'll have to step up on that but could well do so upped a furlong. Postmodern was an impressive debut winner at Yarmouth when absolutely tanking along. Advertisement He is certain to build on that and has proven staying power for this trip. Warsaw is another Aidan O'Brien runner in the picture. He didn't have to hit top gear when scooting in at Navan on debut and will leave that form behind in this better company. Gavoo stepped up from his debut second to win with something in hand at Listowel earlier this month. He will be doing his best work at the end. Advertisement Power Blue was beaten in a close finish for the Group 3 Marble Hill at The Curragh last time. He could build on that and has place claims. Andab was a place behind him in what looked a good race for the grade. Christophe Soumillon is an interesting booking for Wolverhampton winner Bone Marra so check the betting. 3.40 Advertisement BELIEVING was snapped up by the 'Lads' at Ballydoyle for a whopping £3m before making a winning start in their colours at Meydan last time. She was impressive in taking that Group 1 sprint over this trip and ran some mighty races last season too. She was also a good fourth in this contest when trying to come from a mile back. Stepping up to 6f didn't suit in the Jubilee Stakes before she struck again at The Curragh in July. Advertisement A series of near misses at the highest level then followed before that Dubai breakthrough. Hopefully her stall one draw will be fine and she must go close under Ryan Moore. Defending champion Asfoora looks a big threat again although this year's preparation hasn't been quite as smooth. There has been no warm-up this year and she didn't stay 6f in an Aussie Group 1 last time. Advertisement The first-time blinkers are an interesting move but we know she's been here and done it before. Last year's second Regional warrants plenty of respect after chasing home the tip in Dubai last time. He likes quick ground and trainer Ed Bethell continues in excellent form. Night Raider is rapid and blew away the cobwebs with a solid third in a York Group 2 last month. Advertisement He went off too quick there and didn't last home over 6f. It's strange that connections have waited this long to try him over the minimum trip and he should be suited by it. He could run into the places. Starlust won the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint over this trip in November before a poor run in Hong Kong. He clearly needed the run at Haydock on comeback last month and should show his true colours here. Advertisement William Buick stays on board Mgheera after her Temple Stakes success at Haydock 24 days ago. She likes decent ground and is another with place claims if she can avoid the slow start she sometimes throws in. American Affair has a decent draw and had no luck in the Temple Stakes at Haydock when the door was slammed in his face. He's a useful handicapper who deserves a crack at this stronger company but must improve to figure. Advertisement West Acre came up short in this grade in Dubai last time after landing a couple of group races. It may have been stepping up to 6f that scuppered him and it would be no shock to see a better showing here from what could be the plum draw in stall 23. Aesterius wasn't disgraced at the Breeders' Cup and needed his comeback at York last month. It's asking a lot to win but he could run into the extra places plenty of bookies will be offering. Advertisement Tropical Storm comes from stall 19 with Colin Keane on board and is another who could run into the first half a dozen places. 4.20 FIELD OF GOLD can turn the Newmarket 1,000 Guineas form around with Ruling Court who beat him fair and square on the day. Fingers were pointed at jockey Kieran Shoemark for leaving his challenge too late on the Gosden runner. Advertisement And he did but it still took the big grey a while to hit top gear and he wasn't entirely happy going through the dip at Newmarket before being beaten half a length. He was much more at home at The Curragh last time where he took the Irish version without breaking sweat. He had the excellent Colin Keane on board that day and it's wise move to keep him in the saddle this afternoon. Ascot should be right up his street although he won't want to be too far behind turning on to the short straight – Keane knows that and can get the job done. Advertisement Although I think he'll have to settle for second place it's not a forgone conclusion that Ruling Court won't uphold the HQ form. He quickened sharply when asked by William Buick and kept rolling to the line. He should get similar ground here and Ascot's round track will play to his strengths. He can give the odds-on favourite a good race. Henri Matisse idled in front when winning the French Guineas by a neck. Advertisement That was a big personal best and there's every chance he'll improve again under Ryan Moore. He has a bit to find with the other two but is on a different level to the rest of the field. Windlord was Field Of Gold's pacemaker in Ireland and will do the same job and the other two Ballydoyle horses, who have no business running in this. Let's hope it doesn't become a messy race. Advertisement 5.00 MR HAMPSTEAD should be right at home tackling this marathon trip for the first time. He actually ran in the Derby last season but staying was always going to be his game as he showed when striking over two miles on comeback at Goodwood last month. He went back to the Sussex track for a crack at a hotter handicap where he went down to Manxman in a photo. Advertisement He runs again here too and has solid each-way claims. But David Egan's mount looks to have more staying power and this extra half-mile should be ideal. The King and Queen have a good chance with Reaching High who moved to Willie Mullins over the winter. He was beaten on the nod at Leopardstown over 1m4f on comeback last month and is another who looks all about staying. Advertisement Mullins has another big chance with Poniros who won the Triumph Hurdle before running another cracker at Punchestown last time. This is the furthest he's tackled and it could bring improvement. East India Dock is another Cheltenham winner who was brilliant when taking the Chester Cup last time. He'll stay and only the quicker ground is a slight concern. Advertisement Ascending ran well at Cork last time and is in place picture along with Comfort Zone who has good Flat form over two miles and should appreciate this test. 5.35 TORITO hasn't run since his excellent third in this race 12 months ago and can make a winning comeback under top pilot Colin Keane. We know this trip and track suit and he should get his favoured decent ground too. Advertisement He's clearly had problems but he goes well fresh and the Gosdens should have him ready to roll in what looks a wide-open contest. Ecureuil Secret got the job done very nicely over this trip at Epsom's Derby meeting and deserves this move out of handicap company. He hasn't tackled quicker ground before but has a touch of class and should handle it. Haatem moves beyond a mile for the first time and it could bring improvement. Advertisement He was placed in the Newmarket and Curragh Guineas last season so has plenty of talent. He was disappointing in France last time but this could be the making of him. Enfjaar wasn't asked too many questions when fifth in the Brigadier Gerard on comeback last month. He will be fitter for that run and showed his class over this trip when winning last year's John Smith's Cup. Advertisement He goes on any ground and has his favoured hood back on here. Liberty Lane landed Listed honours at Goodwood last time when toughing it out ahead of Meydan. There won't be a lot between them again and they both have place prospects. Military Order is the pick of the Godolphin pair but has a bit to find. Advertisement 6.10 GAVIN Cromwell rarely leaves empty handed on his British raids and his MY MATE MOZZIE can improve on last year's close-up third in this race. He left his challenge a bit late and came home with a real rattle. He has talented 5lb claimer Warren Fentiman doing the steering this time and should be right there again from effectively 4lb lower in the handicap. Advertisement French Master showed his liking for this testing trip when landing a battling win at Goodwood last time. That was all the better because he managed to get through the traffic problems that are so common at that track. A 4lb rise in the weights seems very generous and the first-time blinkers can give him a nudge too. Ryan Moore rides Charlus for Willie Mullins and they are usually a potent partnership. Advertisement He is making his Flat debut for the Irish jumps king here and could be way ahead of the handicapper. Lavender Hill Mob had plenty left in the tank when scoring over 1m4f at Newmarket last time. He went from the front and kept producing when challenged. He should appreciate this stiffer test. Caballo De Mar has become a winning machine at lower levels and beat some useful rivals over two miles at Haydock last time. Advertisement His staying power should be an asset and he can improve again despite being 33lb higher than his first success. Endless Victory has some useful form around 1m2f and it's interesting to see Charlie Appleby up him so far in distance. He's bred to stay a bit further than he's been tackling so could find improvement. Prydwen has a Group 3 win on his CV over this trip and needed the run at Haydock last time after a break. He could sneak into the places at a big price. Advertisement Templegate's tips FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Robin Goodfellow's racing tips: Best bets for Tuesday, June 17
Mail Sport's racing expert Robin Goodfellow delivers his tips for Tuesday's meetings at Stratford, Thirsk, Royal Ascot, Southwell and Beverley. Carlisle Robin Goodfellow 2.05 Juan Bermudez 2.40 Sergeant Fury 3.13 Alshadhian 3.50 Impero 4.30 Davidoc 5.10 Fillfudge Gimcrack 2.05 Market House 2.40 Duel Au Soleil 3.13 Alshadhian 3.50 Sir Galahad 4.30 A Dublin Jobb 5.10 Fillyfudge Thirsk Robin Goodfellow 2.15 Mandarin Spirit 2.50 Brielle 3.23 Brazilian Belle 4.00 Dicko The Legend 4.40 Blue Rc 5.20 Golden Rainbow 5.50 Ready Freddie Go Gimcrack 2.15 Loma Express 2.50 Coedana 3.23 Blue Anthem 4.00 One More Dream 4.40 Vince Le Prince 5.20 Dandy Fitz 5.50 Birkinhead Royal Ascot Robin Goodfellow 2.30 Dancing Gemini 3.05 Warsaw 3.40 Rumstar 4.20 Field Of Gold 5.00 DAWN RISING (nap) 5.35 Sons And Lovers (nb) 6.10 French Master Gimcrack 2.30 LEAD ARTIST (nap) 3.05 Warsaw 3.40 Night Raider 4.20 Field Of Gold (nb) 5.00 REching High 5.35 Ecureuil Secret 6.10 Caballo De Mar NEWMARKET - 5.00 East India Dock (nb); 5.35 Einfjaar (nap). Southwell Robin Goodfellow 5.25 Karthon 5.55 Lokma 6.30 Spirit Of Jenny 7.00 Irish Dancer 7.30 Panelli 8.00 Magic Star 8.30 Sibyl Charm 9.00 Immediate Effect Gimcrack 5.25 Mystical Queen 5.55 Keldeo 6.30 Bee My Honey 7.00 Irish Dancer 7.30 Rumba Numba 8.00 Alerta Maxima 8.30 Petra Celera 9.00 Immediate Effect Beverley Robin Goodfellow 6.15 Reverberate 6.45 Comanche Warrior 7.15 Langholm 7.45 Lincoln Rockstar 8.15 Spring Festival 8.45 Triple Force Gimcrack 6.15 Reverberate 6.45 Comanche Warrior 7.15 Langholm 7.45 Ancient Myth 8.15 Back From Dubai 8.45 Triple Force NORTHERNER - 7.45 Kitsune Power (nb); 8.45 Triple Force (nap).
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Kia Joorabchian splashes out £2million on horse the Amo Racing boss hopes will make his Royal Ascot dream come true
Kia Joorabchian's ambition to be among the winners at Royal Ascot saw him make an eve-of-meeting swoop for a horse of immense potential. The Amo Racing boss is no stranger to making an impact at public auction and he was elated to finalise a £2million deal for Ghostwriter, a four-year-old trained by Clive Cox who last August got within four lengths of the outstanding City Of Troy in York's Juddmonte International. It was rated by experts as the best race run anywhere in the world in 2024. Ghostwriter was put up for sale by his former owner Jeff Smith and his name in the catalogue for the Goffs London sale — an occasion, held in the opulent Kensington Gardens, which has grown in stature since its inception in 2014 — caused a buzz. Former footballers Shay Given and Tom Cleverley were among the throng, as was Michael Owen. The London Sale is unique in that it offers big spending owners the opportunity to buy a ready-made horse for the Royal meeting and the action in the ring is always a fascinating spectacle. The evening started with the chance to buy a 1/60th share of the stallion Ace Impact, who retired in 2023 unbeaten in six races with his haul including the Prix Du Jockey Club and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. One bloodstock agent was prepared to pay £180,000 for it, valuing Ace Impact at £11million. But Lot 10 was the one the crowd had come to see and the bidding for Ghostwriter, who has been prepared by Cox for a crack at Saturday's Hardwicke Stakes, rose as steeply as a cable car in the mountains. Auctioneer Henry Beeby is a dab hand at providing a theatrical flourish to the bidding process and the pace of the back-and-forth ensured that it took just two minutes to go from the gasps of the £1million barrier being broken to the price being doubled. 'At £2million close to me,' said Beeby. 'At £2million, it's going now — make no mistake. Nobody else around the ring? I'm going to sell it… At £2million, get ready. At £2million, we are all done. Sold!' With that, the gavel was brought down with a bang. Joorabchian bought a two-year-old filly at the auction 12 months ago for £700,000 and tried to buy a mare called Sparkling Plenty for £7million but he was thrilled to get this deal done without a hitch. 'This is a nice sale and it's a beautiful atmosphere to buy a horse in,' said Joorabchian, who gave a no-holds-barred interview about some of the concerns he has about racing to Mail Sport last weekend. 'We think this horse has a huge future and fingers crossed we are right. To be honest, my son (Maxi) picked this horse out a little while ago and he said: 'We've got to buy this!' 'He's third favourite for the Hardwicke and I think he's got a chance to go up to Group One level, so we'll see. I don't know Clive Cox but I'm sure I'll meet him and we'll see. At the moment I'm not buying horses to stay [with their trainers]. 'I'm buying them to go into our own yard (with Raphael Freire at Freemason Lodge). With this one, I don't know yet because Clive's done a good job with him so we'll have a chat. Alex (Elliott, bloodstock agent) knows him a bit better, I'll get to meet him and we'll see what we do after that.' Joorabchian's finest moment as an owner at Royal Ascot came in 2023 when King Of Steel ran away with the King Edward VII Stakes; Amo will have three runners on the opening day with Power Blue (305), Mr Hampstead (500) and Crypto Force (610).
