Godolphin Gray holds off Matty's Trail

Godolphin Gray, ridden by Aldo Canchano, sped to the lead soon after the start and went on to hold off Matty's Trail in a scratch-laden second edition of the $50,000 Cliff Guilliams Memorial on Monday, closing day of the 2009 summer meet at Ellis Park in Henderson, Ky.

The Guilliams Memorial was originally scheduled to be contested by 10 older horses at 1 1/16 miles on the turf, but heavy overnight rain forced the race to be run at a mile on the main track. Only four started, with Godolphin Gray prevailing by a length in 1:36.31 over a fast surface. The winner paid $4.40 as the favorite.

Matty's Trail was a length behind the winner and another 2 3/4 lengths before Mr Maccool. The Unbelievable rounded out the order.

Godolphin Gray, a 4-year-old gray gelding by Explicit, is owned by Golden Gait Racing Stable LLC and is based at the High Point Training Center near LaGrange, Ky., with trainer Reta Underwood. The Guilliams marked his first stakes win and his third overall victory from 18 starts.