Fierceness Holds Off Thorpedo Anna In A Thrilling Travers

[Wandering Eyes]

Repole Stable's 'TDN Rising Star' FIERCENESS (c, 3, City of Light–Nonna Bella, by Stay Thirsty) opened as a 6-1 chance for Saturday's GI Draft Kings Travers Stakes, the highlight of the summer meeting at Saratoga, and was a dime shy of 4-1 when they threw the latch at the mile-and-a-quarter start. Last to load, the homebred was off well and took up a forward position as Batten Down (Tapit) was intent on heading off his rivals and galloped his seven rivals along through an opening quarter-mile that was sharp enough in :23. while pursued by GI Belmont Stakes and GI Haskell Stakes hero Dornoch (Good Magic). The connections of certain 3-year-old filly champion and 'TDN Rising Star' Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) would have done some contingency planning, as she has shown speed enough to lead in her races, but also an ability to settle and make a run. The latter tactics were employed, as the filly took back to third and followed the rail to the backstretch. Fierceness settled in midfield, but in the clear passing the six-furlong marker before improving a spot prior to the half-mile pole. They slowed the pace down and went the half in :48.62. They picked up the pace around the turn and John Velazquez had Fierceness poised to strike three wide, as Thorpedo Anna and 'TDN Rising Star' Sierra Leone prepared to deliver their challenges deeper out at the quarter pole. Fierceness claimed Batten Down with ease at the three-sixteenths and carried what appeared to be a winning lead into the final furlong. Thorpedo Anna called on all her quality and was gaining on Fierceness as the wire loomed, but the reigning 2-year-old champ was home about a half-head best. Sierra Leone was third as the 8-5 favorite. It was a second win for owner Mike Repole, whose Stay Thirsty–the dam sire of Fierceness–won it back in 2011. Lifetime Record: 8-5-0-1. O/B-Repole Stable (KY); T-Todd Pletcher.

 

THE CHAMP IS BACK! Fierceness, son of @LanesEndFarms stallion City of Light, wins the G1 @DraftKings Travers Stakes, leaving no doubt that he's back on top!

The legendary @ljlmvel was aboard for @PletcherRacing and @RepoleStable. pic.twitter.com/M8KY6h4sQr

— NYRA () (@TheNYRA) August 24, 2024

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