Report: Nest will not be pre-entered in Breeders’ Cup

After failing to fire in the Grade 1 Spinster at Keeneland on Oct. 8, Nest will not be pre-entered in the Breeders' Cup Distaff. Instead she will be offered Nov. 7 at Fasig-Tipton.

Nest has not been definitely retired, according to a report from David Grening of Daily Racing Form. Pletcher told DRF that Nest had not been showing the same energy as she had earlier in her career, meaning she would not be at her peak for the Breeders' Cup. He also mentioned the possibility that co-owner Mike Repole could buy back into her after she sold at Fasig-Tipton and continue racing her.

Nest, entered as hip no. 163 in the Fasig-Tipton November sale, is designated as a racing or broodmare prospect. In addition to being a three-time Grade 1 winner in her own right, the daughter of Curlin is a full sister to Grade 1 winner Idol. She is also a half-sister to Lost Ark (Violence), winner of the listed Jockey Club Derby on Oct. 7 at Aqueduct.

The champion 3-year-old filly of 2022 after wins in the Ashland (G1), Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), Alabama (G1) and Beldame (G2), Nest has been unable to return to that level of form in 2022. Her 4-year-old debut was delayed for illness. She began the year strong with a victory in the Shuvee (G2) in July, though she has not won in two starts since. She settled for third in the Personal Ensign (G1), a neck behind Secret Oath for place but 4 1/4 lengths behind frontrunning winner Idiomatic. She was well beaten by Idiomatic again in the Spinster, crossing the wire fourth beaten 11 1/4 lengths.