Untapable caps Haskell preparation

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Untapable, who will attempt to become the third 3-year-old filly to win the $1 million Haskell Invitational on Sunday, completed her serious preparations for the Haskell by working a half-mile in 50.28 seconds over Saratoga’s Oklahoma training track Monday morning.

Working by herself shortly after 6 a.m., Untapable, under exercise rider Mike Callaham, seemed a bit eager galloping to the pole. She went her first quarter-mile in 24.87 seconds and her second quarter in 25.41.

“She’s been pretty strong,” trainer Steve Asmussen said. “I thought she broke off nice and smooth, went beautiful to the wire. Came back very loose, very comfortable.”

It was the second work for Untapable since she won the Grade 1 Mother Goose by 9 1/4 lengths at Belmont Park on June 28, her fourth win in as many starts this year, including the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks. Untapable will try to join Serena’s Song (1995) and Rachel Alexandra (2009) as the only fillies to win the Haskell.

She is expected to take on a group that includes Bayern, dominant winner of the Grade 2 Woody Stephens at Belmont; Social Inclusion, the fast 3-year-old colt who finished third in the Preakness and Woody Stephens; Wildcat Red, winner of the Fountain of Youth; and Albano, winner of the Pegasus Stakes. Others expected to start include Irish You Well and Just Call Kenny, the one-two finishers in the Long Branch, and Medal Count, third in the Belmont Stakes.

“Huge opportunity here with a nice filly,” said Asmussen, who also trained Rachel Alexandra. “It’s a pretty fast group of horses that are doing well right now. Obviously, we’re very excited about who Untapable is.”

Untapable will be ridden by Rosie Napravnik in the Haskell. Asmussen said Untapable will train at Saratoga on Wednesday and then van to Monmouth early Thursday morning with assistant trainer Darren Fleming.