Ghostzapper raced only twice at age two, winning his debut at Hollywood Park on November 16, 2002 and then finishing fourth in an allowance race on December 26 at Santa Anita. He did not return to the track until June 20, 2003, when he won an allowance race at Belmont Park. On July 26, he won an allowance race at Saratoga before facing stakes company for the first time in the King's Bishop Stakes on August 23. As was then his habit, he raced well behind the early pace before closing rapidly to finish third, just a half-length behind the winner, Valid Video.