2014 Breeders' Cup Distaff Weekly
The field for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff is taking shape as the likely entrants are starting to make their final preps, and consequently, travel arrangements. Yesterday at Parx, Untapable wrapped up the 3-year-old filly championship and stamped herself as a prime Distaff contender with her victory in Saturday’s $1 million Cotillion Stakes (G1). Off since her disappointing 5th place effort in the Haskell Invitational (G1), Untapable bounced back with a workmanlike, one-length victory in capturing her third Grade 1 victory of the season.
The victory led most observers to believe the daughter of Tapit won with more in the tank, though Sweet Reason was ultra-game as the runner-up. “She’s all class, and she showed it today. There’s no reason for her not to move up next time,” said winning jockey Rosie Napravnik. Trainer Steve Asmussen was also quick to point out that she was not fully cranked in today’s win. “The filly ought to get a lot out of it. She’s got nice timing back to the (Breeders’ Cup) Distaff, and now we’ll try to prepare for that.” Untapable earned a 94 Beyer Speed Figure and $562,000 for owner Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC.
Next weekend brings another Breeders’ Cup Challenge race to Santa Anita in the Zenyatta Stakes on Saturday. Expect Iotapa to square off against 2-time Breeders’ Cup winner, Beholder. Should Iotapa come out on top, she will join Close Hatches as the only horses to win 2 Challenge races in the Distaff division.
Although not a Challenge race, the Beldame Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park next Saturday will be the final prep for the Eastern-based females. Stopchargingmaria, who scratched out of the Cotillion, should show up to face Antipathy, Belle Gallantey and Stanwyck.
In other Distaff news, it was announced on Friday that 2013 Kentucky Oaks (G1) heroine, Princess of Sylmar, has been retired from racing. Following her lackluster, 5th place finish in the Personal Ensign Stakes (G1) at Saratoga last out, it was discovered she suffered from thumps, an electrolyte imbalance. Owner Ed Stanco and trainer Todd Pletcher hinted that she was taking longer to recover than initially thought, and would consequently miss her next start in the Beldame at Belmont Park, so the decision was then made to head to the breeding shed.
Princess of Sylmar developed quite a fan base following her win in the run for the lilies. In an interview earlier this week, Stanco thanked all the fans for all their support, and The Princess for taking him, his family and other owners on a trip of a lifetime. No plans have been made as to who the 4-year-old daughter of Majestic Warrior will be bred to in 2015. Princess of Sylmar, a 4-time Grade 1 winner, retires with a record of 15-9-3-0 and earnings of $2,017,220.