Abel Tasman bypassing Alabama Stakes

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Abel Tasman, the leading 3-year-old filly in the country, will not run in the Grade 1, $600,000 Alabama on Aug. 19, trainer Bob Baffert said Thursday.

“I just want to freshen her up a little bit,” Baffert said from Southern California. “I want to try to save a little bit. I’ve been squeezing on her pretty good.”

Abel Tasman has shipped from California to win the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs in May, the Acorn at Belmont in June, and the Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga in July. Baffert did not rule out running her in the Grade 1 Personal Ensign at Saratoga on Aug. 26. That race is at 1 1/8 miles, and the Alabama is run at 1 1/4 miles.

Meanwhile, the Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez will ride Holy Helena in the Alabama, replacing Luis Contreras, who rode the 3-year-old filly to victories in the Woodbine Oaks and against the boys in the Queen’s Plate at Woodbine.

Velazquez is the all-time leader in wins at Saratoga with more than 800, including three in the Alabama. Contreras is 1 for 4 in his career at Saratoga, the win coming aboard Dream It Is in the Schuylerville Stakes here on opening day.

Trainer Jimmy Jerkens said the decision to change riders wasn’t his, but, “I’m not going to argue with it.”

“ I mean, who’s better than Johnny?” he said.

A field of eight is shaping up for the Alabama: Actress, Elate, Holy Helena, It Tiz Well, Lockdown, New Money Honey, Salty, and Unchained Melody.

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