Celtic Moon returns from 11-month layoff in optional claimer
DEL MAR, Calif. – Peter Miller, who trains Reneesgotzip, will welcome back one of his promising 2-year-olds from last year when Celtic Moon, now 3, makes his first start in 11 months Sunday in race 2.
Celtic Moon was second in the Grade 2 Best Pal Stakes last summer but has not been seen since finishing 10th of 11 in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity on closing day.
“He had a shin fracture,” Miller said. “We did surgery. He’s been training very well for this.”
Celtic Moon’s lone victory in four starts came in a turf sprint at Hollywood Park. He is by Denis of Cork and out of a Three Wonders mare, so Miller said it makes sense to bring him back on turf in Sunday’s one-mile optional claimer.
“His future is going to be on the grass with his pedigree and the fact he broke his maiden on grass,” Miller said.