After a limited three-race season in 2023, champion filly Nest, bought out by Mike Repole for $6 million, has resumed training for her 5-year-old season, with plans to race at Saratoga and potentially aim for the title of champion older filly.
– ‣ After an abbreviated three-race campaign in 2023, Nest (Curlin) has returned to training for her 5-year-old season, with plans to race at Saratoga and potentially aim for the title of champion older filly.
– ‣ Mike Repole bought out his partners in Nest, the champion 3-year-old filly of 2022, for $6 million to prevent her from being sold to Japanese interests, demonstrating a strong desire to keep her racing in the United States.
– ‣ Despite a challenging season with a late start and some underwhelming performances, Nest is considered healthy, happy, and sound, with Repole expressing excitement and optimism for her upcoming races and the possibility of unfinished business on the track.
NEST!!!!!
She is back in training at Stonestreet for her 5 year old campaign.
She should be at Saratoga May 1st. https://t.co/915iqYq2uH
— Repole Stable (@RepoleStable) February 27, 2024
Nest, that powerhouse from Curlin’s lineage, is hitting the tracks again. After a brief stint of just three races in 2023, she’s gearing up for her 5-year-old season. It’s like she never left.
Mike Repole, the man with a plan, decided to go all in. He bought out his partners – Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Michael House – for a hefty $6 million. This was during the Fasig-Tipton November sale last fall. Talk about making moves!
Repole had this idea, see. Initially, he thought Nest might end her career as a broodmare. But then, the auction happened. “The Japanese were bidding on her,” he said. And he wasn’t having any of that. If it were up to some familiar faces in the industry, maybe he’d have stepped aside. But nope, he decided to keep her all to himself. “Let’s race her,” he thought. And why not?
So, what’s the plan now? Repole’s got it all mapped out. Nest is back in training at Stonestreet, Ocala. By May 1, she’ll be with Todd (Pletcher), getting ready to dazzle us at Saratoga. Repole’s pretty stoked about it. Aren’t we all?
Remember her sophomore year? What a blast that was. Wins at the GI Central Bank Ashland S., GI Coaching Club American Oaks, and GI Alabama S. Not to mention those close calls at the GI Kentucky Oaks and GI Belmont S. She was on fire.
But then, the Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Keeneland happened. She was the favorite but ended up fourth. A fever delayed her 4-year-old debut, but when she returned, she was spectacular, winning the GII Shuvee S. at Saratoga. Sadly, her next races didn’t go as planned. She faced some tough competition and couldn’t clinch the wins.
Repole reflected on last year. “She started late,” he admitted. The plan this time? Get her racing a bit earlier, maybe June or July. Find her a nice spot and go from there. He’s excited, and honestly, so are we.
After her less-than-stellar performance in Lexington last fall, everyone was scratching their heads. “Yeah, she was fourth,” Repole said, chuckling. It was a lot, too soon. But after a good rest, she’s ready to tackle some unfinished business.
Nest isn’t just any horse. She’s one of 21 Grade I winners sired by the legendary Curlin. Bred in Kentucky by Ashview Farm and Colts Neck Stables, she was a $350,000 purchase at the 2020 Keeneland September sale. Her dam, Marion Ravenwood, has also produced some notable offspring, including 2021 GI Santa Anita H. winner Idol.
Speaking of Idol, Repole’s got a stake in him too. After a successful racing career, Idol’s now part of a venture between Repole Stable and Taylor Made Stallions. It’s all in the family, you could say.
As for Nest, Repole’s final word? “She’s healthy, happy and sound.” Ready to race and maybe, just maybe, clinch that champion older filly title.
And there it is, straight from the horse’s mouth (well, Repole’s Twitter, but you get the gist). Nest is back and ready to take on her 5-year-old season. Saratoga, watch out. Here she comes.
