Untapable unbeatable in Cotillion Stakes

Bensalem, PA (SportsNetwork.com) – Leading 3-year-old filly Untapable stalked the leaders and then had to work down the stretch in winning Saturday’s $1 million Cotillion Stakes at Parx Racing.

Untapable, trained by Steve Asmussen, went off as the 1-2 favorite in the eight-horse field for the 1 1/16-mile stakes with her regular rider Rosie Napravnik in the saddle.

Owned by Winchell Thoroughbreds, the filly let Jojo Warrior and Cassatt to run on the lead as the favorite sat third in the clear off the rail.

On the far turn, Untapable began her advance three-wide and drew even with the leaders coming out of the final turn. The filly and Jojo Warrior were on even terms at the top of the stretch, but Untapable was unable to put away the competition.

It was not until she was inside the furlong pole that Untapable gained a clear lead, but still had to hold off 9-2 second pick Sweet Reason nearing the wire. Untapable posted a length victory over Sweet Reason with Jojo Warrior finishing third and Little Alexis fourth. Rounding out the order of finish were Cassatt, Joint Return, Vero Amore and House Rules. Stopchargingmaria was an early scratch.

“Just awfully glad with her race today,” Asmussen said. “Watching the races earlier, speed’s been holding pretty good. Rosie used a little of her to stay fairly close to a fast pace and awfully happy to see her back in the winner’s circle.”

The time for the Cotillion was 1:42.71 on a fast track.

Untapable gained her fifth victory in as many starts this year versus 3-year- old fillies. The Cotillion win was worth $562,000 to bring her career bankroll to $1,896,725 with seven wins in 10 starts.

The filly ran against 3-year-old males in the Haskell Invitational nearly two months ago when she finished fifth to Bayern as the 7-5 favorite. When facing other fillies, Untapable has won the Rachel Alexandra, Fair Grounds Oaks, Kentucky Oaks and Mother Goose Stakes.

Next for Untapable will be the Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Santa Anita on Friday, Oct. 31.

“The Distaff, very tall order. Close Hatches, very promising mare this year,” Asmussen noted. “We need to get out to California and get ready for that.”

Untapable returned $3.00, $2.40 and $2.10. Sweet Reason paid $4.00 and $2.80, and Jojo Warrior paid $3.60 to show.

Categorized in: Horses