Unrivaled looks strong despite unusual loss

LEXINGTON, Ky. – You almost had to see it to believe how Unrivaled, ridden by Rosie Napravnik, was beaten in the first race Wednesday at Keeneland. While his six opponents got away smoothly from the gate in the 1 1/16-mile race for maiden claimers, the 2-year-old colt dwelt in his stall for several seconds, spotting them a seemingly insurmountable advantage as the even-money favorite.

After a quarter-mile, the official chart shows Unrivaled as 14 lengths back, but Equibase chart caller Steve Peery said the colt was “probably at least 20 lengths behind” shortly after the break.

Incredibly, Unrivaled eventually caught the pack and actually made the lead in deep stretch before being beaten by a nose. In reality, he was tons the best.

The defeat was a blessing in disguise for new owner David Wright, who claimed the Super Saver colt from the race for $30,000, since he and trainer Marya Montoya will get to run him in a straight maiden race next out.