Nest Outclasses Rivals in Suncoast Romp

Nest  ran as a 1-5 favorite should in the $100,000 Suncoast Stakes Feb. 12 at Tampa Bay Downs—defeating her rivals in a display of utmost class and professionalism.

The Todd Pletcher-trained daughter of Curlin  , a full sister to 2021 Santa Anita Handicap (G1) hero Idol , has harbored high hopes since the beginning for her owners, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Repole Stable, and Michael House. A dominating debut winner last fall at Belmont Park, Nest annexed the 1 1/8-mile Demoiselle Stakes (G2) Dec. 4 at Aqueduct Racetrack in her third start.

Making her first start as a 3-year-old in the Suncoast, she settled into a stalking position in third early under jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. Longshot Mining Chrome  cruised through a moderate :24.52 opening quarter-mile and :49.29 half-mile, but into the run for the far turn, Alittleloveandluck , followed closely by Nest, pounced on the leader and took charge with six furlongs in 1:13.41. Alittleloveandluck clung gamely to the lead down the lane but was overcome hallway down the stretch by Nest, who sailed clear to a six-length victory.

Ortiz wrapped up on the filly late, who stopped the timer in 1:39.30 for a mile and 40 yards on a fast track. Alittleloveandluck was 3 1/4 lengths ahead of Blamethechampagne  in third. Ha' Penny  was fourth.

"(Nest) made it look easy," said Ortiz. "I was in a great position in the first turn, and after that I just sat on her and enjoyed the ride. I just let her go all the way through the stretch."

The Suncoast awarded qualifying Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) points on a 10-4-2-1 scale, giving Nest a total of 20 points after also earning 10 in the Demoiselle. Nest is second on the Kentucky Oaks leaderboard behind last year's 2-year-old filly champion Echo Zulu , who has 30 points.

"We're all very pleased with (Nest)'s performance," said Pletcher. "She did it professionally and seemed to finish with good energy. We're very excited. She should improve with time and distance."

Bred in Kentucky by Ashview Farm and Colts Neck Stables, Nest sold to Eclipse and Repole for $350,000 at the 2020 Keeneland September Yearling Sale from the Ashview Farm consignment. Nest is out of the stakes-winning A.P. Indy mare Marion Ravenwood . In addition to being a full sister to Idol, Nest is a half sister to the stakes-placed Dr Jack  (Pioneerof the Nile). Marion Ravenwood has an unraced 2-year-old son of Violence   named Lost Ark and was last reported bred to Curlin for 2022.

Video: Suncoast S. (BT)

Bank On Shea Edges Baby Yoda

Capitalizing on a ground-saving trip under Ortiz Jr., Bank On Shea  upset slow-starting heavy favorite Baby Yoda  in the $75,000 Pelican Stakes a race before the Suncoast.

Fourth down the backstretch behind a trio of dueling leaders and a :22.45 opening quarter in the six-furlong race, Bank On Shea slipped up the fence when weakening leader R Mercedes Boy  drifted off the rail. Bank On Shea then passed three rivals, taking command with a half-mile in :45.63.

Baby Yoda, three-wide for much of the race, fought on, passing Bank On Shea in midstretch, but Bank On Shea proved stronger in the final 70 yards, winning by a neck. He completed the distance in 1:09.61, paying $9.60 as the second choice.

Pudding  was another 1 3/4 lengths back in third.

"The only way I could probably beat (Baby Yoda) was to save ground at the rear, so that's what I did and it worked out good," said Ortiz. "I rode this horse a couple of times in New York and he always tries hard. He gives me his best every time I ride him."

"Irad did a good job settling him down behind the speed and running down (Baby Yoda)," added trainer Carlos David. "He's a good-sized, strong horse, and I was really impressed by his effort."

The winner, a 5-year-old son of Central Banker   bred by Dr. Scott Pierce in New York, races for Shea D Boy's Stable. He was a $110,000 purchase by his owner from the Niall Brennan Stables consignment to the 2019 Ocala Breeders' Sales Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training. His earnings total $497,750 with a 5-1-1 record from eight starts.

He is one of two foals out of the unraced Uncle Mo   mare Miss Moultree , whose other produce is Givealittlegee, a 2-year-old filly by Home of the Brave . The mare was bred to Thousand Words   for 2022.

Video: Pelican S. (BT)

Sam Wilensky's Drop a Hint  won the other stakes race on the Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) undercard at Tampa, the $50,000 Minaret Stakes. Antonio Gallardo was aboard the Herman Wilensky-trained 5-year-old daughter of Into Mischief  , who won by a neck, running six furlongs in 1:10.48.