Thrilling Travers Stakes Victory for Fierceness: A Major Challenge to City Of Troy’s Breeders’ Cup Classic Aspirations
ð (Saratoga, September 1st) In a captivating race at Saratoga, Fierceness emerged as the leading American contender to challenge City Of Troy’s ambitions for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, claiming a brave victory in the prestigious Travers Stakes.
Jockey Johnny Velazquez expertly guided Fierceness, powering into the lead turning for home and quickly opening up a decisive three-length gap over Belmont Stakes winner Dornoch. Despite a late charge from the impressive Kentucky Oaks heroine Thorpedo Anna, who finished just a head behind, Fierceness held on to secure his third Grade 1 triumph.
“This is the best three-year-old in the country right now. I don’t think anyone can deny it,” proclaimed proud owner-breeder Mike Repole. “He’s pretty special and he’s going to be pretty tough in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.”
Fierceness and City Of Troy, both champion two-year-olds, have followed remarkably similar paths, with early stumbles in their three-year-old campaigns before bouncing back in impressive fashion. While City Of Troy has gone on to claim the Derby at Epsom, the Coral-Eclipse, and the Juddmonte International, Fierceness is now firmly established as a leading contender for the Breeders’ Cup showdown.
Trainer Todd Pletcher was delighted with Fierceness’s performance, noting: “He always trains exceptionally well. He doesn’t give you negative signs, but he had never given me so many positive signs leading into this race.”
The defeat was of little disgrace for the outstanding filly Thorpedo Anna, who is now set to return to racing against her own sex, with the Cotillon Stakes at Parx being considered as a potential next step before a tilt at the Breeders’ Cup Distaff.
With the Breeders’ Cup Classic on the horizon, the thrilling battle between Fierceness and City Of Troy promises to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the year, as the American challenger looks to upset the European champion’s aspirations.
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