Fierceness came in 15th place in the Kentucky Derby as the 3-1 favorite. However, it has been reported that Fierceness is out of next weekend’s Belmont Stakes. Trainer Todd Pletcher said that the juvenile male needs more time to recover after his performance at Churchill Downs. Also, they postponed a breeze Saturday to next week.
During Thursday afternoon’s DRF meeting, Trainer Todd Pletcher revealed a strategic change in plans. He informed Mike Repole that his 3-year-old City of Light horse, a promising contender, will now be re-aimed for the July 20th, Grade 1, $1 million Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park. This decision allows ample time to prepare and learn how to bet on horses.
The lineup for the 1 1/4-mile Belmont at Saratoga on June 8 is shaping up to be a thrilling one. According to rumors from DRF, Trainer Todd Pletcher is considering racing Peter Pan (G3) winner Antiquarian, Mindframe, a 2-for-2 allowance winner, and Protective, a first-timer. The Centennial Farms of Don Little own Antiquarian, adding an extra layer of excitement to the race. Mindframe is a member of the St. Elias Stable, owned by Repole and Vince Viola, while Repole owns Protective.
Fierceness is Out of the Belmont Stakes
Recent Eclipse Award winners have had a tumultuous relationship with Pletcher and Repole. Last year’s Kentucky Derby was postponed for Forte, who is co-owned with Viola, due to a hoof issue. After a brief absence, he returned to the Belmont to finish second to Arcangelo, the eventual 3-year-old male champion.
The winner will be drawn for the last leg of the 2024 Triple Crown series on Monday at 5 p.m. EDT. Because of the layout of the Saratoga course, the distance of the event has been reduced from 1.5 to 1.25 miles this year. Upstate New York will host the classic until the grandstand at Long Island, N.Y.’s Belmont Park, is renovated and reopened, which may be as early as 2026. That is still time to open a racebook before the race.
Horseracing Community Mocks Fierceness
Yeah, Fierceness hasn’t precisely been shining recently. His odds of 3-1 made him the clear favorite to take home the Kentucky Derby trophy. People watching the Run for the Roses were surprised by his 15th-place result even though many people have been hoping for his return since the most recent news suggests that things are going south.
No doubt about it: Fierceness is a phenomenally talented racehorse. As the new favorite, he stunned onlookers by cruising to a 2023 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile triumph over Muth. This year, he showed even more promise with his outstanding performance at the 2024 Florida Derby. These victories solidified the colt’s reputation as an unmatched talent, making him the favorite to win the $5 million 2024 Kentucky Derby.
In addition to his natural talent, Fierceness was also well cared for. Prestigious entrepreneur Mike Repole owned him, and Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher was responsible for his care; thus, his nurture was well-attested. Until, only days before the Kentucky Derby, people wondered if Fierceness appeared “lifeless.” Churchill Downs, where he was soundly defeated, followed soon after. Some have hypothesized that this trend indicates that owners often release unsatisfactory horses to pasture to breed them.
Further, Fierceness withdraws as his competitors prepare for their most crucial race yet. The bookie destination thinks Seize the Day, Sierra Leone, and Mystik Dan, who won at Kentucky, are favorites to win at Saratoga. Fans aren’t just making winning predictions; they’re also poking fun at Fierceness’s withdrawal.
