Hot Springs, AR (SportsNetwork.com) – Gold Medal Dancer, ridden by Luis
Quinonez, was able to hold off champion filly Untapable down the stretch to
capture Saturday’s $300,000 Azeri Stakes at Oaklawn Park.
Untapable, winner of last year’s Breeders’ Cup Distaff, went off as the 1-10
favorite in the field of five fillies and mares going 1 1/16 miles. Gold Medal
Dancer was the 8-1 third pick with Mufajaah the 6-1 second choice.
With John Velazquez riding, Untapable broke a step slow coming out of the
rail post for her 2015 debut. Trained by Donnie Von Hemel, Gold Medal Dancer
took the lead and set the entire pace in the Azeri over a track listed as
good.
Untapable, racing on an off-track for the first time, was unable to pass Gold
Medal Dancer approaching the wire. The pacesetter posted a half-length win
over Untapable with Mufajaah rallying to get third. Diva’s Diamond was fourth
with Flashy American last. Sugar Shock was scratched.
The time for the Azeri was 1:45.92.
Owned by Pin Oak Stable, Gold Medal Dancer earned $180,000 for the victory in
her second start of the year. The 5-year-old mare has won seven of 16 career
starts for $529,269.
On Feb. 15, Gold Medal Dancer returned to the races after a six month break to
finish third in Oaklawn’s Bayakoa Stakes.
Gold Medal Dancer returned $18.80 and $3.80, and Untapable paid $2.10 for
place. There was no show wagering.
