Tapizar Takes The Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile At 15-1

November 3, 2012 2:07 PM

Jockey Corey Nakatani rides Tapizar past the finish to win the Breeder’s Cup Dirt Mile Grade 1 race at the Santa Anita racetrack in Arcadia, California, on November 3, 2012. (credit: FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)

ARCADIA (AP) — Tapizar took advantage of an early stumble by Shackleford to pull off a 15-1 upset on Saturday in the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Santa Anita.

Shackleford, last year’s Preakness winner, bobbled at the break, losing any chance for good early position. He regrouped to join the hunt before fading in the lane to finish seventh.

Tapizar, in contrast, had a perfect trip. The 4-year-old trained by Steve Asmussen sat second, on the flank of the pacesetting Emcee, the 5-2 favorite. Tapizar pulled clear in the lane, finishing 2¼ lengths in front of Rail Trip. Corey Nakatani was aboard for his 10th Breeders’ Cup win. The time was 1:35.34.

Tapizar got his sixth win in 14 starts, rebounding from a 20¾-length loss in the Kelso Handicap at Belmont Park.

Tapizar paid $32.60, $13.60 and $8.20. Rail Trip returned $8.40 and $5.80 while Delegation paid $8.20 to show.