‘TDN Rising Star’ Fierceness, trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by John Velazquez, prepared for the GI Curlin Florida Derby by breezing five furlongs at Palm Beach Downs, showing strong form and energy ahead of the race.
‣ Fierceness, a ‘TDN Rising Star’ and the 2023 Eclipse Award 2-year-old champion, is preparing for the GI Curlin Florida Derby on March 30 at Gulfstream Park by breezing five furlongs at Palm Beach Downs.
‣ The Todd Pletcher-trained Fierceness, ridden by Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez, showed impressive form during the drill, finishing strong and galloping out with a lot of energy, indicating he is in good form for the upcoming race.
‣ Currently, Fierceness is in sixth place on the Kentucky Derby Leaderboard with 36 points, suggesting his performance in the Florida Derby could significantly impact his standing and prospects for the Kentucky Derby.
Work of the Day from #PalmBeachDowns—Tuscan Sky (Outside) and Fierceness worked 5 Furlongs in 1:01.30 on March 15th, 2024, for trainer @PletcherRacing. pic.twitter.com/wOd2ZpIMKi
— XBTV (@WatchXBTV) March 15, 2024
Oh boy, did you hear about ‘TDN Rising Star’ Fierceness? Yeah, that horse is something else. Just this Friday, March 15, 2024, at precisely 5:01 pm—well, the update came at 7:07 pm, but who’s counting?—there was this buzz at Palm Beach Downs. And guess what? It was all about Fierceness.
So, Fierceness, with John Velazquez taking the reins, was seen drilling at Palm Beach Downs. This wasn’t just any drill; it was a prep for the big one, the GI Curlin Florida Derby on March 30 at Gulfstream Park. The word on the street (or track) was released late Friday afternoon. Talk about suspense, right?
Now, here’s the kicker. Fierceness isn’t just any horse. After breaking his maiden at Saratoga last August, he was dubbed a ‘TDN Rising Star.’ And let me tell you, that title isn’t handed out like candy on Halloween. This horse is the real deal, having snagged the 2023 Eclipse Award as the 2-year-old champion. Though he placed third in the GIII Holy Bull S. on Feb. 3, expectations are sky-high.
On that breezy Friday morning, Fierceness was not alone. He breezed alongside Tuscan Sky from Spendthrift Farm. These two, under Todd Pletcher’s watchful eye, clocked in at 1:01.3 for five furlongs. Fierceness, full of zest, galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.82 and seven in 1:28.19. The energy? Palpable.
Pletcher couldn’t hide his excitement. “He went really, really well, as he always does,” he said. Watching Fierceness breeze, according to Pletcher, is a sight to behold. The horse finished strong, galloping out with gusto. It’s clear; Pletcher sees something special in Fierceness.
With Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez in the saddle, Fierceness breezed outside of Tuscan Sky, who was with Luis Saez. The confidence Fierceness exudes is undeniable. Pletcher is banking on a stellar performance, and honestly, who wouldn’t?
Currently, Fierceness is sitting pretty in sixth place on the Kentucky Derby Leaderboard with 36 points. That’s not a position to scoff at. The buzz around this horse is real, and the anticipation for his next race is mounting.
Oh, and if you’re into watching these majestic creatures in action, there’s a clip floating around on Twitter. It’s from XBTV, showing Tuscan Sky and Fierceness working those 5 Furlongs on March 15th, 2024. Trainer Todd Pletcher even got a shoutout. Check it out if you’ve got a minute. It’s quite something.
Anyway, that’s the scoop on Fierceness. A horse with a name that commands attention and a performance to match. The Florida Derby can’t come soon enough. Will Fierceness live up to the hype? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure; all eyes will be on him come race day.
