The news this afternoon of the retirement of Unique Bella is certainly unwelcome. But it also puts an exponentially greater degree of importance on next Saturday's meeting between Abel Tasman and Elate in the Grade 1 Personal Ensign Stakes on the Travers undercard at Saratoga.

In an Older Dirt Female division this year that has had a severe lack of quality depth, the retirement of Unique Bella leaves Abel Tasman and Elate as by far the two in best position to take down this divisional Eclipse Award. Whomever wins their meeting next week in the Personal Ensign will have a significant leg up on a potential title as the other will suddenly be in the unenviable position of playing divisional catch up.