Santa Anita news: Abel Tasman to Zenyatta Stakes, Garcia hospitalized

Two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert has two of his primary champions awaiting action opening weekend of Santa Anita's blockbuster 22-day Autumn Meet, with West Coast in Saturday's Grade 1 Awesome Again before Abel Tasman makes her final prep for the Breeders' Cup Distaff in Sunday's Grade 1 Zenyatta Stakes.

For fillies and mares, 3 and up, at 1 1/16 miles, the Zenyatta serves as a "Win and You're In" toward the Nov. 3 Distaff at Churchill Downs. It will mark the champion Abel Tasman's first start since she out-dueled Elate to win Saratoga's Grade 1 Personal Ensign back on Aug. 25.

Her anticipated top challenger is La Force, who, as it turns out, will not get much relief after running second to the now-retired Unique Bella in consecutive starts.

FINISH LINES: Martin Garcia was detained at Huntington Memorial Hospital for observation after a training mishap Wednesday morning. “He hit his head pretty hard, so they’re keeping him overnight,” said his agent, Thom Mitchell. “But he was talking and in good spirits. He’s going to be OK.” A native of Veracruz, Mexico, Garcia turns 34 on Oct. 23 . . . Significant Wednesday workouts at Santa Anita included Chasing Yesterday, American Pharoah’s half-sister, going five furlongs in a minute flat, and Grade 1 winner Dream Tree, pointing to the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, traveling four furlongs in 48 flat, both for Baffert; and come-backing Maestro Dearte, six furlongs in 1:14.40 for Peter Eurton.