Nest boosts Kentucky Oaks credentials in Ashland romp

Apr 08, 2022 James Scully/TwinSpires.com

Nest impressed winning Friday’s $600,000 Ashland (G1) at Keeneland, confirming herself as a top contender for the May 6 Kentucky Oaks
(G1) at Churchill Downs. The Todd Pletcher-trained filly stalked the pace
before launching her move on the far turn, blowing past rivals to win by a
widening 8 1/4-length margin, and Nest won her third straight Kentucky Oaks qualifier.

Irad Ortiz was up on the bay daughter of Curlin, and Nest
left the starting gate as the 8-5 favorite among eight rivals. The 1 1/16-mile
Ashland awarded points on a 100-40-20-10 scale to the top four finishers toward
an Oaks berth as a major qualifier.

She was timed over a wet-fast track in 1:44.16.

Nest was exiting a six-length score in the Feb. 12 Suncoast
S. at Tampa Bay Downs. Winner of the Demoiselle (G2) in her juvenile finale,
she has captured 4-of-5 career starts.

Cocktail Moments got up for second at 9-1, edging 9-5 second
choice and pacesetter Interstatedaydream by a nose. Awake At Midyte came next
in fourth, and Sterling Silver, Happy Soul, Miss Mattie B, and Heavenly Hellos
completed the order.

Owned by Repole Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, and
Michael House, Nest was purchased for $350,000 at the 2020 Keeneland September
yearling sale. She was bred in Kentucky by Ashview Farm and Colts Neck Stables,
and Nest is out of the stakes-winning A.P. Indy mare Marion Ravenwood. She
counts Grade 1 winner Idol as a full brother.