Fierceness’s Inconsistent Performance
Fierceness, a horse owned by Mike Repole and trained by Todd Pletcher, has shown an inconsistent performance pattern in his races. He tends to perform well in one race and poorly in the next. This pattern has left many wondering about the reasons behind his fluctuating performance. Repole and Pletcher believe they may have found the answer in Fierceness’s eating habits. Fierceness is not a big eater and tends to lose his appetite after winning races. This insight has led them to consider adjusting his race schedule to allow for more recovery time between races.
Fierceness’s need for feed seems to ebb and flow with his speed figures. After his victories, he tends to eat less and lose weight due to the huge effort he puts into those races. Some of his notable wins include his debut by 11 1/4 lengths, the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile by 6 1/4 lengths, and the Florida Derby (G1) by 13 1/2 lengths. However, his losses have been just as significant, including the Champagne (G1) by 20 1/4 lengths, the Holy Bull (G3) by 3 1/2 lengths, and the Kentucky Derby by 24 1/2 lengths. This pattern suggests that Fierceness’s performance is closely linked to his post-race eating habits.
Race Spacing Strategy
To address Fierceness’s inconsistent performance, Pletcher suggests spreading out his races more, possibly every six to nine weeks instead of shorter intervals. Fierceness’s worst performances came six and five weeks after his wins, indicating that he may need more time to recover between races. It has been over two months since the Kentucky Derby, and Pletcher believes that the extra time off has benefited Fierceness. Skipping the Belmont was a good decision, as it allowed Fierceness to recover and prepare for his next race.
Gate Trouble Issues
Fierceness has also faced issues at the starting gate, which have affected his performance. In the Champagne, his start disrupted jockey Irad Ortiz Jr.‘s balance. At the Holy Bull, his head turned the wrong way at the start, causing issues for jockey John Velázquez. In the Kentucky Derby, Fierceness hopped up in the gate, leading to early exhaustion. These troubles have prevented him from getting into a rhythm during the races. Pletcher compares these issues to human athletes needing proper nutrition before events and good starts to perform well.
Upcoming Haskell Stakes
The Grade 1, $1,000,000 Haskell Stakes is the featured race of the day at Monmouth Park. This year’s event includes a Belmont Stakes rematch between first and second finishers Dornoch and Mindframe. Trainer Todd Pletcher and owner Mike Repole have both Mindframe and Fierceness entered but will decide on race day whether to run them both. The Haskell day card features over $3.2 million in purses with six stakes races in total. Seven races are slated for turf, while the other seven are on the main dirt track.
Speed Figures Analysis
Fierceness has top speed figures across Beyer (110), Timeform US (126), and HRN (107) ratings, with odds at 5-2. Mindframe also has high ratings: Beyer (103), Timeform US (124), HRN (113), and the shortest odds at 9-5. Dornoch has strong ratings as well: Beyer (101), Timeform US (125), HRN (105), with odds at 5-2. Other contenders include Tuscan Sky and Timberlake, who are mid-level contenders with decent ratings but higher odds. Sea Streak, Jasper’s Pride, and Just Step On It have lower ratings and are considered long shots based on provided odds.
Pace Analysis
Timeform US rates the Haskell as having a fast pace potential with Tuscan Sky, Fierceness, and Mindframe likely to show speed. Dornoch, Timberlake, and Sea Streak are expected to follow closely behind. The HRN Pace Report gives the Haskell a pace score of 88, indicating fast pace potential before scratches. This analysis suggests that the race will be highly competitive, with several horses showing strong speed figures.
Super Screener Picks & Analysis
Super Screener provides picks for several Saturday stakes at Monmouth, including the Matchmaker (G3), Wolf Hill Sprint Stakes, Monmouth Cup (G3), United Nations (G1), and Haskell Stakes (G1). The Super Screener author, Mike Shutty, suggests that if Mindframe runs, he might be the best horse despite being green and benefits from a cutback in distance. Ed DeRosa’s Fair Odds suggest that Mindframe is the horse to beat regardless of who shows up. Laurie Ross and Ashley Tamulonis provide opposing views in their head-to-head handicapping of the Haskell Stakes. Brian Zipse and Matt Shifman previewed the Haskell Stakes along with the Coaching Club American Oaks in the Horse Center edition.
Podcast Discussions
Mike Repole, workout analyst Bruno De Julio, and Super Screener author Mike Shutty discussed the Haskell as well as Del Mar opening on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. These discussions provide valuable insights into the upcoming races and the strategies being employed by trainers and owners. The podcast also covers other significant events in the horse racing world, making it a must-listen for enthusiasts.
Field for Haskell Stakes G1
The field for the Haskell Stakes G1 includes several notable horses. Dornoch, sired by Good Magic, is trained by Danny Gargan and ridden by Luis Saez. His last start was a first-place finish in the Belmont Stakes G1, and his next start is the Jim Dandy G2. Jasper’s Pride, sired by Il Postino, is trained by Chuck Spina and ridden by Jomar Torres. His last start was a third-place finish in the MTH AOC. Tuscan Sky, sired by Vino Rosso, is trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Javier J. Castellano. His last start was a first-place finish in the Pegasus LS, and his next start is the Travers Stakes G1. Timberlake, sired by Into Mischief, is trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Flavien Prat. His last start was a fourth-place finish in the Arkansas Derby G1. Fierceness, sired by City of Light, is trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by John R. Velazquez. His last start was a fifteenth-place finish in the Kentucky Derby G1, and his next start is the Jim Dandy G2. Just Step On It, sired by Accelerate, is trained by Louis C. Linder Jr. and ridden by Florent Geroux. His last start was a first-place finish in the PRX AOC. Mindframe, sired by Constitution, is trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. His last start was a second-place finish in the Belmont Stakes G1, and his next start is the Travers Stakes G1. Sea Streak, sired by Sea Wizard, is trained by Eddie Owens Jr. and ridden by Jairo A. Rendon. His last start was a fifth-place finish in the Pegasus LS.
Recent Incident with Mentee
Last Saturday at Saratoga, Mentee, Fierceness’s brother and favorite for the Sanford (G3), had a fever preventing him from racing. This incident highlights the unpredictability of horse racing and the challenges that trainers and owners face in preparing their horses for races. Repole acknowledges the unpredictability before races and emphasizes the importance of fitness and proper care for the horses.
New Turf Rail at Remington Park
A new turf rail made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has been installed at Remington Park, replacing the previous aluminum rail. This change aims to enhance safety for horses and jockeys during turf races. The new rail installation is in preparation for the upcoming Thoroughbred season starting on August 16. Matt Vance, Executive Vice President of Racing at Remington Park, emphasized that safety standards will improve based on statistical evidence. The new railing covers the entire seven-eighths of a mile circumference of the turf course and includes a turf chute for races up to 1⅛ miles.
Advantages of PVC Rails
The PVC rails are noted for their high safety performance and longevity standards in the horse racing industry. Vance shared an example from France where a horse hit a similar PVC rail without sustaining any injuries, highlighting its safety benefits. The new PVC rails are easier to move compared to traditional aluminum rails, requiring less manpower to adjust settings for different race distances. They also reduce wear and tear on the grass by allowing periodic movement in and out.
Praise for Track Maintenance Team
Vance praised Superintendent Ron Collier for his efforts in improving drainage on both turf and main tracks over the past two years. Chris Thomas was commended for his successful seeding program that enhanced Bermuda grass quality on the turf course. These improvements have contributed to a safer and more reliable racing environment at Remington Park.
California-Based Trainer Mike Puype Suspended
Mike Puype, a California-based trainer, has been provisionally suspended by the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU). Puype, who has notable achievements including two wins in the Breeders’ Cup, was suspended due to the possession of two banned substances: levothyroxine and isoxsuprine. Levothyroxine is used to treat an underactive thyroid gland, while isoxsuprine is a prescription vasodilator medication used to improve blood circulation. The offense occurred on April 24, and the ruling was posted on the HIWU website on July 19, 2024. Puype has not started a horse since June 16 and has stated that he will comment at a later date after consulting with his attorney.
Del Mar Opens with Winning Streaks on the Line
Del Mar opens its eight-week meet with unbeaten horses Medoro and Iscreamuscream heading the San Clemente Handicap, one of two stakes races on Saturday. The opening day card features eleven races with a total of 118 horses entered. After the opening weekend, Del Mar runs Thursday through Sunday, plus a Monday holiday on September 2. First post is at 2 p.m. on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays through August 29, then 1:30 p.m. It’s 4 p.m. on Fridays through August 9, then 3 p.m.
Trainer Standings Recap
Adding up win totals from recent Santa Anita and Los Alamitos thoroughbred meets finds Phil D’Amato and Doug O’Neill tied for leading trainer with 51 wins each. D’Amato had more stakes wins (16–6), while O’Neill had a higher winning percentage (18.5%–17.3%). This competition between top trainers adds an exciting element to the racing season at Del Mar.
Haskell Stakes Preview
Mindframe, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., is a 9–5 morning-line favorite in the $1 million Grade I Haskell Stakes for three-year-olds at Monmouth Park in New Jersey on Saturday. The Belmont Stakes runner-up faces Belmont winner Dornoch, Kentucky Derby beaten favorite Fierceness, Timberlake, Tuscan Sky, and three others if all start. This highly anticipated race is expected to draw significant attention from horse racing enthusiasts.
Top Female Runners Update
Two top females run on Saturday. Thorpedo Anna, ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., is trying to improve to 4 for 4 in 2024 and is 1–2 on the morning line for the $500,000 Grade I Coaching Club American Oaks for three-year-old fillies at Saratoga. Idiomatic, last year’s champion older female, heads the $500,000 Grade III Molly Pitcher at Monmouth after having a win streak snapped at six in a narrow loss to Randomized in the Ogden Phipps Stakes.
Kentucky Derby Winner Mystik Dan Update
Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan looks unlikely to be ready to run in the August 24 Travers Stakes at Saratoga but could make a later race. Trainer Kenny McPeek told Daily Racing Form’s David Grening. Mystik Dan ran in all three Triple Crown races, the first Derby winner in more than a decade to lose the Preakness (finished second) but go on to compete in the Belmont (eighth).
Saratoga Riding Champion Update
Irad Ortiz Jr. will take some dislodging from his throne as Saratoga riding champion and Eclipse Award-winning jockey. But Flavien Prat, who headed east from Santa Anita this spring, is making noises about doing that. Prat had a big opening week at Saratoga, winning the Diana Stakes with Whitebeam and six other races to take a one-win lead over Ortiz. This competition between top jockeys adds excitement to the Saratoga racing season.
In conclusion, the horse racing world is buzzing with activity, from Fierceness’s performance fluctuations and upcoming Haskell Stakes to the new turf rail at Remington Park and the suspension of trainer Mike Puype. With major races and events on the horizon, horse racing enthusiasts have much to look forward to in the coming weeks.
