Repole Stables, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Michael House's Nest earned a career-best 104 Beyer Speed Figure for her dominating performance in Saturday's Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) at Saratoga Race Course.
Ridden to victory by Irad Ortiz Jr., Nest broke the best in the field of five after her two inside foes, Butterbean and Society, stumbled at the break. Society vied for the lead in the first quarter mile, but Nest was soon the pacesetter with Secret Oath pressing to her outside. The two matched strides in the turn and opened up on their rivals, briefly living up to the race's billing as a rematch after Secret Oath bested Nest in the Kentucky Oaks (G1).
Nest would not be denied this time, making it look easy and opening up a 4 1/2-length advantage on her tiring rival at the stretch call. She romped down the stretch with little urging from Ortiz and was wrapped up at the sixteenth pole, coming home an eye-catching 12 1/4-length winner for Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher.
“She came out of it excellent – very good,” said Pletcher. “It was very impressive. She had kind of been touting herself that she was coming into the race in great shape and I'm delighted to see her run to the race she was training [for]. I'm very pleased.”
Pletcher said Nest showed her professionalism when the setup of the race was altered as the Steve Asmussen-trained Society stumbled.
“We figured Steve's filly would be on the lead and that we would try to break well and establish some position in the first turn, which we were able to do,” said Pletcher. “So, she was never really able to take a breather the whole way, but she fended off a strong challenge from Secret Oath and looked good.”
Nest, who finished second behind stablemate Mo Donegal in the Belmont Stakes (G1), could make another appearance against males in the $1.25 million Runhappy Travers (G1) on August 27, though Pletcher said it's likely she'll stick with fillies and try the 10-furlong, $600,000 Alabama (G1) on August 20.
“We're leaning towards [the Alabama]. I had a brief conversation [with her owners] though and we did not completely rule out the Travers,” said Pletcher. “She showed she can hold her own against [males] and we know the mile and a quarter suits her. So, we'll keep it in the back of our mind. I'd say all things being equal, we'll probably see her in the Alabama.”
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