Tapit Good Finally Strikes After Persistent Efforts

For much of his career, Tapit Good has been the persistent one.

The seven-year-old chestnut horse, conditioned by David Powell, has often teased success without quite grasping it, his record littered with near misses and hard-fought placings.

On Thursday, January 1, 2026, however, the story changed. In the sixth race on the holiday card, Tapit Good delivered a winning performance, securing his fourth career win from 45 starts.

The race was Division II of the Optional Claiming ($500,000–$400,000) spread, a demanding test for three-year-olds and upward, with conditions that drew together seasoned six-year-olds still chasing a fourth win and native-bred five-year-olds seeking a third. It was a field with a lot of experience, and Tapit Good entered with three consecutive second-place finishes that hinted at readiness but demanded proof.

From the break, Golden Syrup, Princess Ifiyah, Radam, Jaguar, and Magical Mood all pressed forward, creating a tightly packed front line as the runners charged down the five-furlong straight. Shaheem Gordon, aboard Tapit Good, kept his mount balanced and engaged, refusing to yield ground in the early exchanges. The chestnut horse matched strides with his rivals.

It was at that crucial juncture that Tapit Good revealed his intent. With a decisive move, he surged past the cluster, seizing control of the race. The response from his rivals was muted; none could match the acceleration or sustain the rhythm he imposed. Gordon sat confidently, hands steady, as Tapit Good lengthened his stride and began to draw away.

The final furlong was a procession. Tapit Good, ears pricked and galloping with ease, widened the margin to four lengths, leaving Papa Gray, guided by Phillip Parchment, to chase in vain for second. First Offense, under Dane Dawkins, claimed third, but the spotlight belonged entirely to Powell’s charge.