Kentucky-bred Fierceness shipped in from New York, overcome a swerve at the start of the Pacific Classic (G1), and then took care of business to win the $1 million headliner at Del Mar on Saturday, Aug. 30.
Owned by Repole Stable, Derrick Smith, Michael Tabor, and Mrs. John Magnier, Fierceness earned a berth in the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) with the score. The son of City of Light finished second in the Breeders’ Cup Classic last year.
Fierceness raced in fourth position early in the 1 ¼-mile fixture. He split rivals on the backstretch and again around the far turn. Given his cue in upper stretch, Fierceness opened a clear lead and remained clear of his foes in the stretch, scoring by 3 ¼ lengths at the finish. The Pacific Classic marked the seventh win for Fierceness, who pushed his career earnings to $5,155,320 with the win.
Finishing second in the Pacific Classic was Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners et al’s Journalism, who went off as the favorite in the 35th edition of the race. The 3-year-old, running against older horses for the first time, finished six and a half lengths ahead of third-place finisher Ultimate Gamble, owned by Red Baron’s Barn and Rancho Temescal.
Fierceness Overcomes Trouble in the Pacific Classic
“At the start, he attempted to duck into the temporary railing,” said winning rider John Velazquez. “I got him out of there, but he overreacted by pulling in the other direction. I wanted to stay off his mouth, so I had to sit on him a little. But he got straightened out going into the first turn. I was able to save ground behind the leaders. On the backstretch, he was keen to go on, that’s why I moved between horses going into the turn. I had to move as early as I did because he was so keen. Today I wanted to get him off the bridle a little and let him finish. I was very happy we got there.”
Fierceness is produced from the Stay Thirsty mare Nonna Bella. He was bred in Kentucky by Repole Stable.