High-Stakes Showdown of Fierceness Against City Of Troy

Fierceness, the top American contender for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, is set for a thrilling face-off with City Of Troy at Del Mar. Owned by Repole Stable and trained by Todd Pletcher, Fierceness made waves last November by winning the Juvenile at Santa Anita. Although he stumbled in this year’s Kentucky Derby, the three-year-old has bounced back, capturing the Grade One Travers Stakes at Saratoga, which cemented his place as a Classic favourite.

Repole Stable’s general manager, Ed Rosen, is optimistic about Fierceness' chances in the $7 million event. “Todd says he’s training fantastically, and his form since the Travers is excellent,” Rosen said, emphasising Fierceness’ status as America’s top hope. The race is expected to feature fierce international competition, with Japan’s Forever Young and Europe’s City Of Troy also seen as strong contenders.

Achieving a Breeders’ Cup Classic win would be a significant feat for Fierceness, potentially securing his standing as both a two-year-old and three-year-old champion. Repole Stable will also bring juvenile horses Mentee and Tenacious Leader to California, both set to compete in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. Mentee, a full brother to Fierceness, won the Grade Three Futurity Stakes earlier this month, adding to Repole’s promising lineup.

With high expectations, Rosen expressed excitement: “To have our two-year-olds and a top Classic contender at Del Mar reflects years of dedication and builds anticipation for Breeders’ Cup success.”