Gold Medal Dancer Upsets Champion Untapable in Azeri

Gold Medal Dancer fought back bravely to hold off champion Untapable in the Grade 2 Azeri Stakes on Saturday at Oaklawn Park. (Coady Photography)
Gold Medal Dancer spoiled the season debut of star filly Untapable on Saturday at Oaklawn Park, where she turned back the 2014 champion three-year-old filly in the stretch of the $300,000, Grade 2 Azeri Stakes.
Gold Medal Dancer set an easy pace in the 1 1/16-mile Azeri and the Medaglia d’Oro filly had plenty of stamina in reserve when 1-to-10 favorite Untapable launched her bid on the final turn. Gold Medal Dancer appeared to be headed briefly early in the stretch by Untapable, but she fought back gamely on the inside to prevail by a half-length.
The winner completed the Azeri in 1:45.92 on a track rated as good for her second career stakes win and first in a graded stakes for trainer Donnie Von Hemel and owner-breeder Pin Oak Stud. She returned $18.80 for a $2 win bet.
Untapable was making her first start since winning the Breeders’ Cup Distaff on Oct. 31 top cap a season in which she won six of seven starts, including the Kentucky Oaks among four Grade 1 wins, for trainer Steve Asmussen and owner Winchell Thoroughbreds.
For an Equibase chart, click here.
GOLD MEDAL DANCER (inside) HELD OFF UNTAPABLE

Coady Photography