Abel Tasman thrilling win in Saturday's $700,000 Personal Ensign S. (G1) at Saratoga gave Bob Baffert his first win in the historic race, and gave the 4-year-old filly her sixth career Grade 1 victory.

Owned by China Horse Club and Clearsky Farms, Abel Tasman has wins in the Kentucky Oaks, Coaching Club American Oaks, Acorn S., Ogden Phipps S. and Starlet S., all Grade 1 races, and has earned $2,787,385.

"She's just phenomenal. She's just getting better with age, and she's brought us so much satisfaction," Baffert said. "I could have easily run her at Del Mar, but I wanted to come to Saratoga. It doesn't get any bigger than this, when you can win here in front of all these people on Travers Day.

The Personal Ensign was almost a replay of last year's Coaching Club, when she beat Elate by a head. Saturday, Abel Tasman stalked longshot She Takes Heart before taking over the top spot after three furlongs. She entered the stretch a half-length in front of Elate, who was closing on the outside. The two exchanged bumps in deep stretch before Abel Tasman dug in to win by a neck in 1:47.19.

"Elate, we knew it was a two-horse race, and she ran big,” Baffert said of the runner-up. (Abel Tasman) is an incredible mare. She was a champion, and she's one of the best I've ever trained, and she just keeps showing it."

Baffert was referring to Abel Tasman being named Eclipse Champion 3-year-old filly of 2017.

The Personal Ensign also served as a Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series “Win and You’re In” event for the Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1), which runs in early November at Churchill Downs.