Despite Overnight Progress, Kentucky Derby 2024 Favorite Fails to Impress Fans: “Not Laying Money on This Horse”

As the countdown to the world’s ‘Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports’ ticks closer, the 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby is shaping up to be a thrilling affair. As the world-class jockeys are girded up for the event, their equine partners are all set to compete for the blanket of roses. Among the leading contenders, one name that took the spotlight is Fierceness. The 3-year-old colt’s impressive credentials have propelled him to the forefront as the early favorite.

Sired by four-time G1-winning stallion City of Light and mare Nonna Bella, Fierceness boasts an impressive pedigree that commands attention. However, recent developments have cast a shadow of doubt, leaving fans and bettors questioning their confidence in this highly touted runner.

Despite his promising wins in the 2024 Florida Derby (G1), and the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), Fierceness’s recent morning gallop session at the hallowed grounds of Churchill Downs has left many questioning his ability to live up to the hype.

On 1st May, the Kentucky Derby’s official X account shared a video clip captioned “Kentucky Derby favorite Fierceness out for a gallop over the Churchill Downs track this morning.” But the footage failed to inspire confidence in people.

Bred and owned by the prestigious Repole Stable, Inc. in Kentucky, Fierceness is trained by eight-time Eclipse award winner, Todd A. Pletcher. The equine’s record on the racetrack thus far is nothing short of remarkable, with 3 victories in 5 career starts, further fueling the high expectations surrounding his Derby aspirations.

However, in spite of Fierceness’s impressive race record, his recent morning routine became a subject of scrutiny among the spectators.

Social media buzzes with mixed sentiments about ‘Fierceness’ ahead of the Kentucky Derby

When he secured a big victory in the Florida Derby, Fierceness closed a 5-2 favorite in the final Kentucky Derby futures pool. Following this, many deemed him as one of the fastest horses in the field. However, on 1st May, while the powerful colt covered the ground with a smooth stride, fans are still pondering whether the 3-year-old colt would cement his status as the favorite on the first Saturday of May.

On the similar note, the social media comments were awash with skepticism, with one user bluntly stating, “He does look a bit better this morning. I’m not laying money on this horse still.”

Another echoed a sentiment in favor of Brad Cox’s Catching Freedom. Sired by Constitution out of the Pioneer of the Nile mare Catch My Drift, Catching Freedom’s winning stakes include the 2024 Louisiana Derby (G2), and the 2024 Smarty Jones (LS). Crediting to these triumphs, the fan opined……

While multiple people shared their disregard, a multitude of fans also expressed their regard for Fierceness. One user shared their excitement and said that the fierceness looked like a winner to them.

Owing to the winning odds and exceptional performances of Fierceness, one fan even wanted to change the caption of the X post and chimed in with a renewed caption-

The last of the lot chimed in Spanish about their love for Fierceness. He quoted “El gran favorito del Kentucky Derby, FIERCENESS” which translates to “The great favorite of the Kentucky Derby, FIERCENESS”

With Triple Crown’s first leg- the Kentucky Derby just around the corner, Fierceness now faces the daunting task of rekindling the enthusiasm and belief of his supporters. Until then, the uncertainty surrounding this presumed favorite will persist, with Sierra Leone and Catching Freedom asserting a staunch competition. And while last year’s upset is still in the talks, fans and spectators are intrigued as to who will take this year’s blanket of roses, don’t you agree?