Report: Kentucky Oaks runner-up Nest could run in the Belmont

Kentucky Oaks runner-up Nest could return in next month's Belmont Stakes, trainer Todd Pletcher said Tuesday.

According to Daily Racing Form, a final decision on whether to take on males will be made based on the results of Saturday's Preakness and how Nest is training in the leadup to the final jewel of the Triple Crown. The last filly to win the Belmont was Rags to Riches in 2007, who was also trained by Pletcher.

In the Kentucky Oaks, Nest was sent off as the 2-1 favorite and was beaten two lengths by Secret Oath after mounting a sustained rally under Irad Ortiz Jr.. Secret Oath will have a date of her own with the boys in Saturday's Preakness.

Nest boasts a classic-type pedigree that could relish the mile-and-a-half distance of the Belmont. She is by Curlin, a Preakness and Breeders' Cup Classic winner, out of a stakes-winning mare by A.P. Indy, who himself won the Belmont and Breeders' Cup Classic in 2001.

Pletcher also has Mo Donegal pointed to the Belmont.

Nest was a $350,000 auction purchase and is campaigned by Repole Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Michael House. Prior to the Oaks, she rattled off three-straight stakes wins in the Demoiselle (G2), Suncoast and Ashland (G1).