Celestine posts second consecutive victory in Honey Fox

Moyglare Stud Farm’s Celestine posted her second consecutive victory in the Honey Fox (G2) at Gulfstream Park Saturday afternoon after leading her six rivals on a merry chase in the one-mile turf race for older fillies and mares. 

 

The 32nd running of the Honey Fox provided the 5-year-old with millionaire status as her earnings swelled to $1,069,655 after the victory.

 

Ridden by Jose Ortiz for trainer Christophe Clement, Celestine set the pace in the $300,00 Honey Fox and was allowed to do so well setting tepid fractions of 24.45 and 49.01 for the opening half-mile.

 

Mississippi Delta, who saved ground running in third down the backstretch, was tipped to the outside in the stretch by Jose Lezcano and was in perfect position to reel in Celestine, the 1-2 favorite. But Celestine had plenty left in the tank and scooted away to post a 1 1/4-length win. Mississippi Delta held for second, one length in front of 7-2 second choice, Linda.

 

“She was the best filly. She ran a great race,” said Clement, who won the Honey Fox for the first time in his career. “You’re not going to beat this filly if she’s the first one to dictate [the pace]. She’s nice. I thought she was fitter today [than her last race]. She trained better. She was tighter and she ran great.”

 

Clement said he will target Belmont Park’s Just a Game (G1) June 10, a race the mare won last year for her former connections.

 

When the gates sprung open in the Honey Fox, Mississippi Delta made for the lead, but then Lezcano proceeded to allow Ortiz to take the initiative going into the first turn.

 

“It was great. I broke well but the No. 6 horse looked like he wanted the lead, so I gave it to him,” Ortiz commented. “Then [Lezcano] looked back at me and he gave it back to me and I appreciated it. We were going slow and I didn’t hesitate to take it back. I took the lead again and from the three-eighths pole to the wire she ran fast.”

 

Celestine, a daughter of Scat Daddy, returned $2.60 for a $2 win bet. She completed the mile distance in 1:35.19 over a firm course. The winner’s time for her final eighth of a mile was a snappy 11.26.

 

Upon the completion of her 2016 campaign, which included a 3 1/2-length victory in the Honey Fox, Celestine was acquired by Moyglare Stud Farm from Keeneland’s November sale for $2.55 million.