From Best Odds to “Scratched”, Fierceness’ Oddity Before Race Has Fans Doubting Professionals

The 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby will be one to remember. With some true heavyweights, this year’s race will be intense and no other horse is making the professionals believe in his skills more than Fierceness. The winner of this year’s Florida Derby has been widely picked as the best bet by professionals with a 5-2 off to win the historic Kentucky Derby 2024. However, fans aren’t convinced.

With the most experienced trainer in the Kentucky Derby 2024, Todd Pletcher, Fierceness has made many experts pick him out as their favorite, despite being highly inconsistent. With two G1 victories under his belt, the Mike Repole-owned horse can likely make moves at Churchill Downs tomorrow, but recent video clips have left fans casting their doubts.

Fierceness looking slack at morning gallop

A recent post on Twitter by E L M shows Fierceness cooling off on Thursday after the morning gallop. Over the last few days, fans have been reluctant to have faith in the professionals who place the odds on the Kentucky Derby participants because of the horse’s sulking demeanor. And now, once again, fans clamor that Fierceness isn’t showing the body language of a Derby winner.

Captioned “He looks lifeless.” the accompanying video shows Pletcher’s horse looking a little too relaxed as it walked out from the stables to recuperate after the morning session at CDI. With that, fans are once again reminded of the fact that none of Fierceness’ three wins came consecutively and that his average speed is behind both the Blue Grass Stakes winner Sierra Leone and Just a Touch.

Understandably, Fireceness’ latest clip has sent out more concerned thoughts among horse racing connoisseurs.

Fans fail to hold back on the skepticism

Horse racing fan Dave has a different kind of odd in his mind, enquiring whether Fierceness might be pulling out of the Run for the Roses with how his recent appearances have looked. “What are the odds on him getting scratched Saturday morning?” the fan sounded concerned over the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner horse’s condition.

One fan thinks Domestic Product, with the iconic Irad Ortiz Jr. on his back, will be the underdog to pull off a spectacular victory tomorrow, and probably that’s what is making the Repole Stable-owned Fierceness look so gloomy. “He knows he’ll be behind Domestic Product again Saturday. He’s sulking. LOL“, joked the comment.

Rhonda also thinks the Gulfstream Park third-place finisher isn’t keeping up with its own name. “He looks none too fierce“, sneered her comment.

Another Kentucky Derby enthusiast seems to think that Fierceness’ body language may have been affected by the fact that he lost the Gulfstream Park to a horse that didn’t even qualify for tomorrow’s race (Hades). “Yeah, definitely not the body language you want from a Derby favorite.” their comment didn’t beat around the bush.

User AngryBeaer isn’t all too happy about Pletcher’s horse either, thinking this just disrupts the overall odds for the other participants. “Way to screw up the odds for everyone else.” said the fan in a granting tone.

As the debate about Fierceness’ chances of winning the milestone edition of the Kentucky Derby spirals, which horse-basket will you be putting your eggs in? Share your predictions in the comments below!