Abel Tasman gearing up for season debut, try at La Troienne Stakes

HRN Staff
Photo: Heidi Carpenter

Abel Tasman will return to the site of her biggest career victory in the Kentucky Oaks when making her next start, with the filly pointing toward a return in Churchill Downs’ Grade 1 La Troienne Stakes, according to the Daily Racing Form.

Trainer Bob Baffert is still deciding on a course of action for Abel Tasman to reach that goal. The champion 3-year-old filly should be able to fit at least one prep race in her schedule. She returned to the work tab Feb. 1 and most recently worked five furlongs Thursday in 1:00.80.

“She’s doing really well,” Baffert told the DRF.

The La Troienne is 1 1/16 miles for older fillies and mares. The 2018 Breeders’ Cup will be held at Churchill Downs later in the year, with the Distaff run a bit longer, at 1 1/8 miles. Abel Tasman finished second to Forever Unbridled in the 2017 Distaff.

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