Fierceness scores track record win in Alysheba

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Fierceness, a champion at two and one of last year's leading three-year-old colts, commenced his four-year-old campaign in fine style Friday at Churchill Downs, recording a track-record setting victory in the $750,000 Alysheba (G2).

Last seen finishing a brave second to eventual division champion Sierra Leone in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) in November, Fierceness showed no signs of rust in the stretch, wearing down long-time leader Most Wanted to win by 1 1/2 lengths. He covered 1 1/16 miles over a fast track in 1:40.66, eclipsing the previous record of 1:41.04 set by Successful Dan in the 2012 Alysheba.

"He's a nice horse and he showed it today. But, wow! A track record at Churchill Downs, that's a really big deal," trainer Todd Pletcher said.

Owned in partnership by breeder Mike Repole and Coolmore, Fierceness paid $3.88.

Most Wanted finished second, 2 3/4 lengths ahead of Hall of Fame. Locked, the Santa Anita H. (G1)-winning stablemate to Fierceness, finished a non-threatening fourth. This Is Uscar and Katonah completed the order of finish.

The Alysheba performance was a bit of redemption for Fierceness over the Churchill Downs strip after he finished 15th as the favorite in last year's Kentucky Derby (G1). It was the only serious blemish on an outstanding season that saw him fall just short of earning champion three-year-old colt honors following wins in the Florida Derby (G1), Jim Dandy (G2), and Travers (G1).

Fierceness split his season rivalry with Sierra Leone at two apiece, and beat both he and eventual Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna in the Travers.

"We've got lots of options with him right now but I'd have to think the Met Mile (G1) is on the top of the current list," Pletcher said of the Saratoga feature scheduled for June 7.

Also victorious in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) at two, the Kentucky-bred Fierceness is by City of Light and out of Nonna Bella, by Stay Thirsty.