Un’-Stoppable

By Steve Sherack
   During the early stages of Untapable (Tapit)’s 2-year-old season, owner/breeder Ron Winchell called trainer Steve Asmussen to discuss the possibility of trying her on grass. 
   After all, the half-sister to millionaire and GI Secretariat S. hero Paddy O’Prado (El Prado {Ire}) was produced by GII Buena Vista H. heroine Fun House (Prized). 
   “Why would you want to do that when we’re going to win the [GI] Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies with her,” Asmussen responded to Winchell. 
   While Untapable failed to live up to Asmussen’s bold prediction–she was eased after getting wiped out by a tragic spill that day at Santa Anita–he certainly knew what he had on his hands. 
   “I have to give credit to Steve Asmussen for recognizing very early that she had extreme talent,” Winchell said of last month’s jaw-dropping GI Kentucky Oaks heroine. “That shows you the confidence that he had.” 
   A respectable third in the GI Hollywood Starlet S. over the synthetic last December, the 2013 GII Pocahontas S. victress continues to elevate her game since turning three. After annexing the GIII Rachel Alexandra S. and GII Fair Grounds Oaks by a combined margin of 17 1/4 lengths, Untapable dominated 11 rivals with a 4 1/2-length decision in the Oaks (video), good for a gaudy Beyer of 107. Summerly (Summer Squall)–a $410,000 KEESEP yearling purchase–also brought home the lilies for the Winchells in 2005, but it was a bit more special this time around. 
   “It’s indescribable,” Winchell reflected of Untapable’s Oaks victory. “We purchased Summerly, so to have a homebred do it was that much better, and for it to be by Tapit, was like doubling down.” 
   The Winchells, of course, campaigned the aforementioned 2004 GI Wood Memorial S. hero and current leading stallion. The late Verne Winchell purchased Untapable’s third dam Carols Christmas (Whitesburg) for $4,000 at the 1978 Keeneland September Sale. Other Winchell stable stars to carry the maroon-and-white silks can be traced back through this family as well, including 1991 GI Hollywood Derby winner Olympio (Naskra) and 2003 GI Futurity S. hero Cuvee (Carson City). 
   The 15-year-old Fun House produced an unraced Tapit filly in 2012; a Tapit colt in 2013; and a Tapit filly in 2014. The Gainesway stallion will be “her permanent mate,” Winchell confirmed. 
   In addition to overseeing approximately 130 horses– including 20 broodmares–with help of the family’s longtime racing manager David Fiske, the Las Vegas-based Winchell is also actively involved in gaming, bars/restaurants, construction and real estate development. His father, who passed away in 2002, was the founder of the hugely successful Winchell’s Donuts franchise. 
   “It’s something to look forward to every week, every month, etc.,” the 42-year-old said of his passion for racing. “There’s always something to look forward to, including watching the 2-year-olds. I’m highly anticipating Hottap (Tapit)’s debut Saturday [at Churchill]. There’s always something like that in your future that you’re excited about. That’s one of the things that I really love.” 
   A start against the boys for Untapable could be something else for Winchell to look forward to later this year if the blaze-faced bay continues her assault through the division in Saturday’s GI Mother Goose S. at Belmont Park. Untapable has been installed as the 1-5 morning-line favorite. There will be no show wagering offered in the six-horse affair. 
   “We’ve thought about it thoroughly,” Winchell said. “I think if the opportunity arises, we will probably run her against colts at some point. If the opportunity arises where she has an opportunity to partake in possibly Horse of the Year honors, I think you would have to run her against the colts, and we will definitely look at that strongly.” 
   Untapable has posted five workouts at Asmussen’s Churchill base since the Oaks, most recently breezing four furlongs in :49 3/5 June 23. 
   As for the immediate task at hand this weekend, Winchell concluded, “She came out of the Oaks great. We’re trying to do our part and take care of her and make sure that she’s well-prepared every time she races. It’s almost scary because she’s doing so well. She’s really doing phenomenal.”