An injury to Frame could have changed the look of the Travers Stakes (G1).
While trainer Todd Pletcher was hesitant to commit the Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) winner Aggression Coming into the Midsummer Derby on August 24 immediately after the race, an injury that sidelined stablemate Mindframe seemed to change that view.
Commenting on Fierceness’ status at the Travers following the announcement of Mindframe’s injury, owner/breeder Mike Repole stated his strong interest in racing Fierceness at the Travers saying, “Fierceness will be the fastest and most talented horse at the Travers. We will either win or finish fifth.”
Before Jim Dandy, Repole said that giving Fierceness enough time between races would be key to eliminating his habit of running great races followed by disappointing efforts. The native son of City of light had a 12-week break between his 15th-place finish as the favorite in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and his win in the Jim Dandy on July 27 at Saratoga Race Track.
The 2023 champion, a 2-year-old stallion, will run on a four-week break at the 1 1/4-mile Travers. He had a five-week break between races when he won the Florida Derby by 13 1/2 lengths and then failed to start the Run for the Roses on May 4.
The ferocity, out of Thirsty mare Mrs. Bella won the Jim Dandy by a length Sierra Leone who lost by 1 length in the Kentucky Derby and finished third in the Belmont Stakes (G1).
Mindframe, owned by Repole and St. Elias Stables, finished second in both the Belmont and Haskell Stakes (G1).
