Idiomatic, Nest square off again in Spinster; Bourbon attracts overflow

One of two Breeders’ Cup Challenge series races at Keeneland on Sunday, the $600,000 Spinster (G1) may determine favoritism for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) at Santa Anita on Nov. 4. A total of three stakes will be offered on the 10-race program.

Idiomatic and Nest highlight seven fillies and mares competing for an expenses-paid berth to the Distaff in the 1 1/8-mile Spinster.

A winner of three straight graded stakes for Brad Cox, Idiomatic confirmed her ascension to the top ranks when leading all the way in the Personal Ensign (G1) at Saratoga on Aug. 25, earning a career-best 106 Brisnet Speed rating for the four-length win. Florent Geroux retains the mount on the four-year-old daughter of Curlin.

Nest will seek a measure of revenge after finishing third at odds-on in the Personal Ensign. Last year’s champion three-year-old filly, Nest counted an impressive win in the Ashland (G1) at Keeneland among her five stakes wins last season, and she will make her third start off the layoff for Todd Pletcher in the Spinster. Irad Ortiz Jr. retains the mount.