Tapwrit

Tapwrit emerged from Todd Pletcher's loaded stable as a contender for the 2017 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands with a good, fast-finishing second to highly-rated McCraken in the Feb. 11 Sam. F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. 

With McCraken sidelined due to injury, Tapwrit was sent off as the 11-10 favorite in the Tampa Bay Derby on March 11, and he did not disappoint, romping to a 4 ½-length win. That win gave him 54 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby, placing him among the leaders heading into the final round of prep races.

After a disappointing fifth-place finish in the Grade 1 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, Tapwrit finished willingly despite a ton of trouble early in the Kentucky Derby and finished a respectable sixth behind stablemate Always Dreaming.

Tapwrit was then pointed to the Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets and reeled in Irish War Cry in the final furlong for a clear win in the $1.5 million final jewel of the Triple Crown.

After an 11-week layoff, Tapwrit returned in the Grade 1 Travers Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets on Aug. 26 at Saratoga. He made a middle move to contend behind pacesetter West Coast through the far turn but had no rally and settled for fourth.

The 3-year-old Tapit colt  is out of the Grade 1-winning mare Appealing Zophie and was purchased for $1.2 million as a yearling.