Unlawful Spirit noses out 'Kellie'

Unlawful Spirit ($26) overtook Kickstand Kellie in the final stride to capture the $50,000 West Virginia Distaff at Charles Town by a nose.

Rain Song, unbeaten in four previous starts locally and 11 for 16 lifetime, set the pace until the sixteenth pole in the 4 1/2-furlong race and finished third as the 1-5 favorite.

A 5-year-old mare ridden by Erick Ramirez for trainer Michelle Francis, Unlawful Spirit was timed in 46.17 seconds.