Fierceness posted another “excellent breeze’’ at Saratoga on Thursday (Oct. 17) in preparation for the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).
The Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) and Travers Stakes (G1) winner could be the favorite in the 1 ¼-mile Classic at Del Mar on Nov. 2.
“It was another excellent breeze, pretty much what we’ve become accustomed to seeing from him,” Pletcher told NYRA Communications. “Very relaxed throughout, finished up nicely, galloped out well. He’s always been a really exceptional work horse, pretty push-button. It 2024bc.101seems like he does it so easily.”
The 3-year-old City of Light colt covered 5 furlongs in 1:01.69.
Fierceness, who won the 2023 Breeder's Cup Juvenile (G1) and was voted 2-year-old male champion, has remained at the Spa since his victory over Thorpedo Anna in the 1 ¼-mile Travers on Aug. 24.
“I think physically, he’s done really well,” Pletcher said. “He’s gotten bigger, stronger, and put on weight. You can see him maturing into a fall 3-year-old. I’m very pleased with his overall condition.”
Fierceness, who finished 15th as the Kentucky Derby (G1) favorite after winning the Florida Derby (G1), is owned by Mike Repole and will be ridden by John Velazquez.
Also working for Repole/Pletcher on Thursday was Mentee, winner of the Futurity Stakes (G3) earlier this month. The 2-year-old covered 4 furlongs in 48.39.
Pletcher said his first Breeders' Cup preference for Mentee, also a City of Lights colt, would be the Juvenile Turf (G1) rather than the Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1).
A year ago, Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott had a Breeders’ Cup to remember: three winners – Just F Y I in the Juvenile Fillies (G1), Cody’s Wish in the Dirt Mile (G1), and Elite Power in the Sprint (G1). All three were voted champions – Just F Y I (top 2-year-old filly), Cody’s Wish (top older male, Horse of the Year), and Elite Power (top male sprinter). In addition, Mott earned the Eclipse Award for trainer of the year.
Can he come close to that performance next month?
He’ll likely have four contenders – Whitney Stakes (G1) winner Arthur's Ride in the Classic, 7-year-old War Like Goddess in the Filly & Mare Turf (G1), Ballerina Stakes (G1) runner-up Scylla in the Filly & Mare Sprint (G1), and Miss Grillo (G2) winner Scythian in the Juvenile Fillies (G1).
Notes: Three-time Grade 1 winner Far Bridge, pointing to the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1), worked 5 furlongs in 1:01.47 according to NYRA clockers. It was the 4-year-old's first work since winning the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1) over War Like Goddess at Aqueduct on Sept. 28. “I’m very happy. It was a typical work from him,” Miguel Clement, assistant trainer for his father Christophe, said. “He had his ears up, playing and looking happy.’’ ... At Keeneland on Thursday, unbeaten Mullikin (4-for-4) worked 5 furlongs in 1:00.80 in preparation for the BC Sprint (G1) on Nov. 2. “We just wanted a nice, easy five-eighths this morning,” trainer Rodolphe Brisset said. “His big work (for the Sprint) was last week when he went in 59 and 3 and out in 1:11 and 2.” Mullikin has wins in the John A. Nerud Stakes (G2) and the Forego Stakes (G1) ... Pletcher worked another probable BC starter (Juvenile Turf) at Keeneland on Thursday: 2-year-old Tenacious Leader breezed 4 furlongs in 47.80.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
