Untapable Unrivaled in the Breeders' Cup Distaff
On an overcast day at Santa Anita, Untapable under jockey Rosie Napravnik shined brightest of all in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Facing elders for the first time, Untapable overcame an outside draw and traffic throughout the first half of the race to stake claim as the best female in the land, regardless of age.
Early on, Tiz Midnight and Iotapa battled for the lead through fractions of 22.93 and 46.73. While fan favorites Untapable and Close Hatches were hung four and five wide respectively around the first turn.
Once the field of eleven turned up the backstretch, Close Hatches and Ria Antonia moved in on the dueling leaders, while Untapable patiently waited her turn in sixth. After six furlongs in 1:10.95, Tiz Midnight and Close Hatches started to retreat, while Untapable moved in to engage Iotapa.
Approaching the top of the lane, the stage was set between Iotapa and the Kentucky Oaks winner. The three-year-old daughter of Tapit eventually inched clear from the stubborn Iotapa, but her task was not over yet. “I had a little thrill at the quarter-pole, but the winner just got to us and went away. I was laying perfect. My filly tried so hard, even when she was passed in the lane,” Iotapa's jockey, Joe Talamo said.
Looming large in mid-stretch was Spinster Stakes winner, Don’t Tell Sophia. Fortunately for Untapable, the wire was coming up faster than Don’t Tell Sophia could gobble up the ground, and she held on to win by 1 ¼ lengths in 1:48.68. Don’t Tell Sophia’s connections could not have been more proud of the mare in defeat. “She ran a great race. We’re so proud of her. She had to go a bit wide, but Joe (Rocco) gave her a perfect ride. She was where she was supposed to be and made a run. She kept coming. She lost to a great horse today,” trainer Philip Sims said.
Soft-spoken trainer, Steve Asmussen, was noticeably jubilant about this particular victory. “She’s an amazing mare to put us on this stage and to perform like she did. Rosie and she are a great combination and they have had a tremendous season,” he said.
In the post-race interview with NBC Sports Network, Napravnik brought her mother up to the winner’s podium to make a big announcement. “My husband and I are starting a family and my retirement will start on Monday. I’m very excited,” she said.
Untapable returned $5.20 for the win and $1,840,000 to her owners, Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC.