Belmont Stakes 2024: Horseracing Community Mock Fierceness’ “Shocker” Exit After Kentucky Derby Disappointing Finish

The final leg of the Triple Crown- Belmont Stakes is just around the corner and horseracing fans are waiting with bated breath to see their favorite colts make their photo finish. Scheduled for the 8th of June 2024, the event at the Saratoga Race Course will see some stellar performances. However, a formidable colt who began his career on this very stomping ground will regrettably remain absent from the occasion. Yes! The hot-off-the-press bulletin is that Repole Stable’s Fierceness’ appearance at Belmont is now a trashed possibility. But, this won’t be the first time the 3-year-old thoroughbred is crushing hopes.

Fierceness has indeed had an underwhelming few days. Slated as the favorite to win the Kentucky Derby with odds of 5-2, he stood right at the top. However, his 15th-place finish at the Run for the Roses caught spectators by surprise. While many have relentlessly hoped for his comeback since then, it seems to be all downhill, according to the latest update.

Fierceness’ decline after his fall at the first hurdle

The latest X post by David Grening from Daily Racing Form informs of Todd Pletcher’s disclosure that Fiercness has opted out of the Belmont Stakes and will potentially enter the 2024 Haskell Stakes G1. Post this mega revelation, concerns about the thoroughbred’s forthcoming endeavors have struck many.

Assuredly, Fierceness is a racehorse with prodigious skills. Hustling his way to victory over Muth at the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, he caught everyone’s eye as the newest favorite. Earlier this year, his impressive victory at the 2024 Florida Derby further evidenced his top-notch potential. With these wins, the colt started being regarded as a nonpareil performer and was everyone’s best bet for the 2024 Kentucky Derby, with an event purse of $5 million.

Complementing his innate skill, Fierceness was in good hands too. Owned by prestigious entrepreneur Mike Repole and under the care of Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, there was hardly any doubt about his nurturing. Until, a few days before the Kentucky Derby, fans speculated that Fierceness looked ‘lifeless.’ And shortly after came his thrashing defeat at Churchill Downs. This pattern fuels speculation about the tendency of owners to put disappointing horses out to pasture for breeding.

Moreover, Fierceness’ withdrawal comes at a time when his contenders are brushing up for the race of their lives. Sierra Leone, Kentucky winner Mystik Dan, and Seize the Day are all top picks for the win at Saratoga. But alongside these winning predictions, fans are also making jibes at Fierceness’ untimely step-down.

Fans uncertain about 3-year-old’s future despite Haskell appearance

Commenting below David Grening’s X post are fans who expect better from Fierceness and trainer Todd Pletcher. Therefore, doubting the thoroughbred’s ability to compete after a streak of blows, one of the fans commented that he should probably be sent to the stud.

Another fan expressed a similar worry about what the future of horseracing holds for the colt.

However, a particular fan chipped in a piece of advice for Fierceness. Someone who looked like an ardent follower of the sport suggested that the colt had seemed in bad shape for a while; thus, he should be brought back next year and should not add another failure to his career.

But not everyone was so calm. One of the fans’ comments implied that they saw this coming from afar.

In fact, people supposedly sounded very confident about Fierceness’ dwindling future. One of them predicted that by repeating this pattern, the colt would withdraw from Haskell’s event too.

But at the end of the day, people are surely thrown off by this call, and that is evident.

Given this upsetting update, what is your take on Fierceness’ career? Do you think he should back out from Haskell as well? Let us know in the comments.