Celtic Melody Put Up In Humana Distaff

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The Churchill Downs stewards took down a winner for the second time on the Kentucky Derby Day card, moving Celtic Melody ahead of Gold Mover in the Humana Distaff (gr. I).

Three races earlier, Snow Ridge came down in the Churchill Downs Handicap (gr. II) as D'Wildcat was elevated in the judge's stand to first.

Gold Mover, under John Velazquez, sat in fourth in the early going behind pacesetters Spanish Glitter, Celtic Melody and Sweet Nanette. Gold Mover spurted clear at the eighth pole, while Celtic Melody was in tight quarters between horses down the lane. Celtic Melody was getting to the winner at the wire.

The stewards ruled Gold Mover came over on Celtic Melody and jockey Mark Guidry. The 4-year-old Mr. Greely filly is owned by The Vinery Stable and trained by Jimmy Jerkens. She was beaten a length in her last two starts, the Madison at Keeneland by Victory Ride and and Hurricane Bertie at Gulfstream by Gold Mover.

Celtic Melody covered the seven furlongs in 1:22.98 and returned $16.60, $7.20, and $5.20. Gold Mover paid $4.60 and $3.60 and Hattiesburg $6.80. The winning margin was a head. (Chart, Equibase)

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