Nest can win Belmont Stakes if distance moves her up

Nest is a filly competing in the $1.5 million Belmont Stakes on Saturday. Todd Pletcher won the race with Rags to Riches in 2007. Nest finished second to Secret Oath in Kentucky Oaks last month. Secret oath won at the Preakness Stake. Nest is the daughter of Curlin. Curli lost the 2007 edition of the Bel Mont Staking by a head. The distance might help Nest. It's not a typical route for the 1 1/2 mile race. Good past form is important. Some horses with better stamina and slower past figures or ugly form can come into contention.

Nest can win Belmont Stakes if distance moves her up. Nest won Demoiselle Stake last December by a neck. She won Ashland Staking by 8 1/4 lengths. Interstatedaydream probably didn't fire her best shot in Ashlands Stakers. Happy Soul couldn't handle the route distance.