China Horse Club and Clearsky Farm's Abel Tasman (Quality Road) appeared no worse for wear following her last-to-first victory in Friday's GI Longines Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs.
With Bob Baffert already heading back to his West Coast base Saturday morning, assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes was pleased with what he observed the morning after her big effort.
“I just jogged her and she was stroking it down the shed,” said Barnes. “She ate up last night and I couldn't be happier. She looks awesome.”
Heading into the Kentucky Oaks off a pair of seconds, including the Apr. 8 GI Santa Anita Oaks, Abel Tasman appeared to benefit from the slew of adjustments since her latest start.
“We knew we needed to get blinkers on her before [the Kentucky Oaks], for sure,” explained Barnes. “She put on some weight and we just made sure she was happy. Mentally, we couldn't have had her in a better spot. We did add earplugs [removed at the starting gate], because she can be a little aggressive at times. She'll hear noises and want to jump or get a bit nervous; we do anything we can to keep them calm.”
Accompanied by Barnes, the filly is scheduled to ship back to California Monday morning.
“I'm not sure what direction we'll go next,” added Barnes. “Normally we wouldn't go to Baltimore or anything like that. Bob will get together with the owners and decide which direction to go.”
Conversely, the 6-5 Oaks choice Paradise Woods (Union Rags) appeared to be just coming around Saturday morning after a taxing effort Friday. On the engine early in the nine-furlong Classic for fillies, Paradise Woods was pressured by the speedy Miss Sky Warrior and tired late to finish 11th.
“She was just a little stiff last night,” said trainer Richard Mandella. “There's a chance she might have tied up. But she jogged [at the barn] for us OK [Saturday] morning and seems all right. I may have her [nuclear] scanned when we get back to California to make sure we're all good. Then she'll get a little break.”
Trailing home last of 14 in Friday's Oaks was Coffeepot Stables' homebred Farrell (Malibu Moon), sent off the second choice at 9-2. She stalked the hot early pace and tired abruptly before being eased.
According to her connections, the filly had a valid excuse.
“She hated the track,” said Fernando Canteria, assistant to Wayne Catalano. “She didn't like [running on] it and she took so much kickback. She couldn't open her right eye when we got her back to the barn, she had so much mud in it.”
Catalano confirmed after the race that the multiple graded stakes winner will be evaluated by Dr. Larry Bramlage.
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