Yonkers: Tarapasta topples favorites in MGM Ursula McIntyre Series final

Tarapasta looked hopelessly boxed in coming into the homestretch, but Matt Kakaley was able to find a seam at the head of the stretch, and the 6-year-old Downbytheseaside mare kicked into overdrive to capture Friday's (May 8) $456,000 Grade 2 MGM Ursula McIntyre Series final at MGM Yonkers Raceway at a stunning 25-1. Tarapasta, trained by Travis Alexander for owner Greg Luther Racing LLC., completed the mile and a quarter distance in 2:23, winning by a length over Coastal Babe N, with 1-10 favorite Louies Girl N settling for third.

Kakaley had Tarapasta energized early, leaving strongly ahead of Louies Girl N on the opening bend. Coastal Babe N, with Yannick Gingras, left hard and needed nearly the first quarter before supplanting Tarapasta in a 28 2/5 opening fraction. Jason Bartlett wanted no part of a three-hole, and he moved Louies Girl N on the second turn, assuming control at the half in 56 4/5.

After Louies Girl N had the top, she cut three-quarters in 1:25 2/5 and was put to some pressure when Millwood Bliss N moved without cover on the backstretch for the final time. Still, Louies Girl N looked to have control of the race past the mile marker in 1:54 and entering the final turn with Coastal Babe N locked along the pylons and Tarapasta sitting third without room.

When Seaside Diva, with Scott Zeron, struggled to keep with Millwood Bliss N coming into the stretch, Kakaley seized the opportunity and quickly angled Tarapasta wide. The rest was history as Tarapasta overpowered a struggling Louies Girl N and won going away. Tick A Loch A rallied wide for the fourth spot. Tarapasta returned $52.72 to win and keyed a $169.94 exacta and a $340.78 trifecta.

"Travis has done a superb job with her," said Kakaley. "She’s been super. I've been along for the ride."

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In the $100,000 McIntyre consolation, favored Walkin On Sunshine and driver Scott Zeron were up in the final strides for the victory in 2:23 3/5 for the added distance. A 6-year-old by Always A Virgin, Walkin On Sunshine just nailed second choice Bath Bomb with Andrew McCarthy driving.

Zeron had Walkin On Sunshine away quickly from post five and out-sprinted Bath Bomb into the opening turn. Following a soft 29 1/5 opening quarter, McCarthy moved Bath Bomb to the front. Once in control Bath Bomb stayed in front through a half in 58 1/5 and three-quarters in 1:27 3/5. With Turn The Page N and Ron Cushing beginning an outer flow at that point, followed by Rocket Deo, Bath Bomb picked up the pace noticeably with a 28 second fourth quarter, reaching the mile in 1:55 3/5 and making it a virtual two-mare race.

Zeron tipped Walkin On Sunshine from the pocket late on the final turn and needed a solid drive to narrow the gap and eventually overtake a determined Bath Bomb. Rocket Deo and Todd McCarthy rallied late for the third spot, with Fearless Ginger fourth across the wire.

Walkin On Sunshine is owned by Maynard Miller, Daniel Lehman and Michael Yoder and is trained by Brett Pelling. As the favorite, Walkin On Sunshine returned $3.86 to win and keyed a $7.36 exacta and a $41 trifecta. Walkin On Sunshine won for the 30th time in her racing career and pushed her lifetime earnings above $705,000.

--press release (Yonkers)--