Fierceness, last year’s 2-year-old champion male and Kentucky Derby favorite, will forgo the $2 million Belmont Stakes on June 8 at Saratoga. Instead, he will aim for the Grade 1, $1 million Haskell on July 20 at Monmouth Park. Trainer Todd Pletcher explained that Fierceness needs more time after his Derby performance.
Pletcher Prioritizes Recovery for Fierceness
Trainer Todd Pletcher explained his decision by stating that Fierceness āneeds a little more timeā after his Kentucky Derby effort. āWhen he came back from Churchill, he was a little tucked up, his appetite was a little off, and we just think heāll benefit from a little more time,ā Pletcher noted.
Despite these minor issues, Pletcher expresses confidence in the horse’s progress, adding, “Iām happy with the way heās galloping.ā Instead of rushing Fierceness back into competition, Pletcher believes a more measured approach will benefit the horse in the long run.
In Fiercenessās absence, Pletcher will field three other entrantsāMindframe, Antiquarian, and Protectiveāin the Belmont Stakes. These horses are set to breeze Saturday at Saratoga, showcasing their readiness for the upcoming race.
Fierceness, on the other hand, is scheduled for light training, with plans to resume full workouts next week in preparation for the Haskell.
Contrasting Careers and Prospects for Pletcher’s Charges
The career trajectories of Todd Pletcher’s horses present interesting stories of promise and potential. Fierceness, sired by City of Light, has shown flashes of brilliance interspersed with unpredictable performances. At two, Fierceness debuted spectacularly, winning by 11-1/4 lengths, only to finish seventh in the Grade 1 Champagne shortly thereafter. However, he rebounded magnificently with a commanding 6-1/4 length victory in the Breedersā Cup Juvenile.
This year has also been a roller-coaster ride; after a third-place finish in the Grade 2 Holy Bull, Fierceness stormed back to win the Grade 1 Florida Derby in a record-shattering 13=1/2 lengths. His performance in the Kentucky Derby was marked by an early setback and a middling finish, reinforcing Pletcher’s decision to give him more recovery time before the Haskell.
Meanwhile, Mindframe, sired by Constitution, is an emerging talent garnering attention with his first two wins. The Belmont Stakes will serve as his stakes debut, offering a significant step up in competition. With Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard, the excitement around Mindframe is palpable, and many are keen to see how he handles the challenge.
Antiquarian, a descendant of Preservationist, recently secured a three-quarter-length victory in the Grade 3 Peter Pan earlier this month at Aqueduct. With the experienced John Velazquez, who was originally set to ride Fierceness, now taking the reins, Antiquarian’s preparations for the Belmont are drawing considerable interest.
Lastly, Protective, a son of Medaglia d’Oro and still a maiden, has shown potential by finishing third in both the Wood Memorial and Peter Pan. His journey to the Belmont Stakes represents a significant opportunity to step out of the shadows and make a name for himself.
With such varied backgrounds and accomplishments, Pletcher’s charges heading into the Belmont Stakes offer a captivating blend of narratives that underscore the unpredictability and excitement of horse racing.
And while Fierceness may have to wait a little longer for his next challenge, the anticipation and speculation surrounding him only add to the drama of his eventualĀ return to the track. In the meantime, all eyes for Pletcher will be on Mindframe, Antiquarian, and Protective as they strive to make their mark at the prestigious Belmont Stakes. So, don’t miss the chance to bet on Belmont stakes online. One of these underdogs may just surprise us all and emerge victorious in the end.
