Page 66 - Majestic V8
P. 66
WINNING
MOMENTS
Abel Tasman“探险家”完美引退
Finishes On A High Note
2018 G1 OGDEN PHIPPS STAKES
岳敦菲柏斯锦标一级赛
2018 G1 PERSONAL ENSIGN STAKES
个人荣誉锦标一级赛
2018 G1 Ogden Phipps Stakes 岳敦菲柏斯锦标一级赛 2017 was one of the best years of Abel Tasman’s
racing career, winning three straight G1 races
in three months, including her signature Text| MICHAEL YI 文| 易仁帅
last-to-first rally in the Kentucky Oaks. That,
along with her prior wins, saw Abel Tasman earn
the 2017 Eclipse Award for champion three-year-old
filly. She continued her dominant form in 2018 with
victories in the Ogden Phipps Stakes and Personal
Ensign Stakes in June and August, respectively.
The USD750,000 Ogden Phipps Stakes is a G1
race run at Belmont Park over a distance of 1,700m.
Carrying a high weight of 123lbs, Abel Tasman was
last out of the gate but bounced back quickly on the
backstretch to make an early move on the far outside.
With jockey Mike Smith aboard, Abel Tasman
maintained her lead around the far turn. She was
briefly challenged by her rivals but pulled away in the
stretch to win by 7½ lengths.
Two months later, Smith and Abel Tasman teamed
again to conquer another G1 race at the Saratoga
Race Course. The USD700,000 Personal Ensign
Stakes, run at a distance of 1,800m, proved to be
a tough race for the champion filly. The six horses
jumped out at the same time, with Abel Tasman
settling in mid-pack along the rail before Smith moved
her towards the lead in the backstretch.
Abel Tasman led around the far turn when jockey
Ortiz aboard Elate made their move and drew up
alongside at the top of the stretch with only half a
length between the two horses. With only 200m to
run, Abel Tasman and Elate were nose to nose, stride
to stride. The battle was still going on in the final 50m
but, in the end, Abel Tasman prevailed to capture the
Personal Ensign Stakes by a neck! Abel Tasman is a
phenomenal horse that has overcome obstacles and
ran in brilliant fashion to deliver results. Having built
64 MAjestic