Champ Abel Tasman Lights Up Keeneland January

Heading into Monday's opening session of the Keeneland January sale, champion 3-year-old filly Abel Tasman (Quality Road) was the one everyone was looking to for fireworks and the 5-year-old did not disappoint, realizing a $5-million final bid from Team Coolmore. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency XCVII, the daughter of Vargas Girl (Deputy Minister) was bred by her co-owner, Clearsky Farms, who campaigned the champ in tandem with China Horse Club International. A Grade I winner at two for trainer Bob Baffert, the bay won a trio of Grade Is at three, including the GI Kentucky Oaks. Winner of the GI Personal Ensign and GI Ogden Phipps in 2018, she is once again nominated for a divisional title.