Untapable in good shape after second in Azeri

Trainer Steve Asmussen reported champion Untapable was "doing fine" Sunday morning at Oaklawn Park, following a runner-up effort in her season debut the day prior.

The 4-year-old filly, making her first start since winning the Breeders' Cup Distaff on Oct. 31, failed to overhaul the front-running Gold Medal Dancer in the stretch of the Grade 2 Azeri Stakes on Saturday, finishing second by a half-length while racing over a wet track for the first time.

Untapable, who runs as a homebred for Winchell Thoroughbreds, had been based at Fair Grounds over the winter, arriving at Oaklawn in the week before the race. Asmussen said the filly will remain at Oaklawn until April 1 "at least." Options for her next start include the Grade 1 Apple Blossom Handicap or a race on Kentucky Derby weekend. Churchill Downs cards the Grade 1 La Troienne Stakes for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles May 1.

Asmussen added that Tapiture, who finished fifth in the Grade 3 Razorback Handicap, and Bold Conquest, third in the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes, also exited their races in good order. Tapiture, also a Winchell homebred, will likely remain on the same schedule as Untapable, either remaining in Arkansas for the Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap on April 11 or waiting for the Grade 2 Alysheba Stakes on May 1 at Churchill Downs. Bold Conquest will point to the $1 million Arkansas Derby on April 11.