Untapable Exits 2015 Debut in Good Shape
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Trainer Steve Asmussen said champion Untapable exited her runner-up effort in the $300,000 Azeri Stakes (gr. II) March 14 in good condition and will remain in training at Oaklawn Park until early April.
Winchell Thoroughbreds' homebred daughter of Tapit was making her season debut in the Azeri while starting for the first time since winning the Oct. 31 Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I), but was upset when 8-1 shot Gold Medal Dancer stole the 1 1/16-mile test by half a length after showing the way from the start.
NOVAK: Untapable Upset by Gold Medal Dancer in Azeri
"She'll stay here at least until April 1," Asmussen said March 15. Options for the 4-year-old filly include the April 11 Apple Blossom Handicap (gr. I) at Oaklawn or a race at Churchill Downs the weekend of May 1-2, the trainer said.
Churchill cards the $300,000 La Troienne Stakes (gr. I) for older fillies and mares on May 1.
Last year Untapable produced a sensational 3-year-old campaign to claim the title of champion 3-year-old filly, capturing six of her seven starts—including grade I scores in the Kentucky Oaks, Mother Goose Stakes, and Cotillion Stakes, in addition to the Breeders' Cup Distaff. Her only defeat came against colts in the Haskell Invitational (gr. I).
Asmussen's other runners also exited their Saturday stakes efforts in good shape. Winchell's Tapiture, fifth in the $250,000 Razorback Handicap (gr. II), could run in the $600,000 Oaklawn Handicap (gr. II) April 11 or the May 1 Alysheba Stakes (gr. II) at Churchill.
Bold Conquest, third in the $750,000 Rebel Stakes (gr. II) behind American Pharoah and Madefromlucky for Ackerley Brothers Farm, will remain under consideration for the April 11 Arkansas Derby (gr. I).