Baffert mulls options for Abel Tasman
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DEL MAR, Calif. – Abel Tasman, the nation’s leading 3-year-old filly, worked three furlongs in 36.80 seconds Monday under jockey Martin Garcia as Baffert ponders her next start, which could be predicated on what Jerry Hollendorfer does with Songbird.
“I have a lot of options. I don’t have to decide until a week before,” Baffert said.
Baffert said Abel Tasman is being considered for the Alabama Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 19 and the Cotillion at Parx Racing on Sept. 23, both against 3-year-old fillies. He also mentioned the Personal Ensign against older females Aug. 26 at Saratoga, depending on what plans are for Songbird.
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Mike Smith rides both Songbird and Abel Tasman, so if Songbird passed on that race, there would be no conflict with Abel Tasman. Smith already will be at Saratoga on Aug. 26 to ride West Coast for Baffert in the Travers and American Anthem in the Allen Jerkens.
Hollendorfer said over the weekend that he and owner Rick Porter had yet to pick out a next start for Songbird. The Personal Ensign is an option, as is the Pacific Classic or the Zenyatta at Santa Anita on Sept. 30, he said.
“I don’t have a likely plan,” Hollendorfer said. “I don’t have everything carved out solid.”
◗ Skye Diamonds, preparing for the Grade 3 Rancho Bernardo on Sunday, worked five furlongs in 1:00.80 on Monday for trainer Bill Spawr.
◗ Jockeys Chantal Sutherland ($300) and Jamie Theriot ($100) were fined for misuse of the whip in races at Del Mar on Friday. Sutherland was cited by the stewards for two instances in the same race, hence the reason her fine was larger.
