Abel Tasman, the champion 3-year-old filly of 2017, and the 3-year-old filly Rayya, most recently a distant second to Kentucky Derby-bound Mendelssohn in the United Emirates Derby, worked six furlongs from the gate in company in 1:12.80 Saturday morning at Santa Anita for upcoming major races at Churchill Downs.

Abel Tasman is ticketed for her 2018 debut in the La Troienne for older females. This was her second straight work from the gate. "She didn't break very well last week," said her trainer, Bob Baffert. Martin Garcia was aboard for the drill.

Rayya, whom Baffert now trains, had Drayden Van Dyke up for the work. She broke quicker than Abel Tasman and was four lengths up with a half-mile to go, but Abel Tasman closed along the rail and was about a neck in front at the wire.

Immediately after the work, Baffert asked Van Dyke if he wanted to ride Rayya in the Kentucky Oaks on May 4.

"I'd love to," Van Dyke replied.

Done.