Those like me who were expecting Abel Tasman, last year's champion 3-year-old filly (and Kentucky Oaks winner), to be a major player in this year's older dirt female division might have to think again after her dull 2018 bow in the just completed la Trioenne.

Yes, Abel Tasman was making her first start since finishing a narrowly beaten second in last fall's Breeders' Cup Distaff, and in fairness, her closing kick was certainly not helped by a slow early pace. Nevertheless, Abel Tasman was not up against an especially strong field, and she still never even mounted anything resembling a real threat. All she could do was finish fourth in the field of six.

I've learned to never write off a champion after one poor effort. That said, Abel Tasman will have to do a complete turnaround next time before I'm as enthusiastic about her as I was before her empty effort today.