Day of Reckoning for Sierra Leone and Fierceness
This Saturday’s Jim Dandy Stakes is a lot more than just a prep for the Travers Stakes. It is the race that should tell us if two of the most talented colts in the country have finally matured into professional racehorses and headed toward greater things. ~ Steve Haskin
Day of Reckoning for Sierra Leone and Fierceness
By Steve Haskin
Shakespeare said in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, “So quick bright things come to confusion.”
No truer words can be said about the respective careers of Fierceness and Sierra Leone. There actually was a time when the future looked so bright and so simple for both colts. So how did it become so confusing?
Why haven’t two of the best trainers in the country been able to figure out their problem? This time I will turn to the great journalist H.L. Mencken, who said, “For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong.”
Each time the answer to the complex problems of Sierra Leone and Fierceness looked clear and simple to their respective trainers Chad Brown and Todd Pletcher their two gifted horses proved them wrong. And these were the two favorites in the Kentucky Derby.
How could Sierra Leone look so professional in his workouts – changing leads, striding out smoothly, and running straight down the stretch – but look so different in his races? There, his stride appears awkward after turning for home, he paddles his left leg, and he continuously lugs in, either hampering others or costing himself races, most notably the Kentucky Derby. But even with his flaws, his explosive and relentless stretch runs always make him dangerous.
How could Fierceness look like a superstar in his debut winning by 11 ¼ lengths, then run horribly in the Champagne Stakes at 1-2 odds, then look like a superstar in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winning by 6 ¼ lengths at 16-1, then run a dull third against mediocre horses in the Holy Bull at 1-5, then look like a superstar again in the Florida Derby winning by 13 ½ lengths, then run horribly in the Kentucky Derby finishing 15th as the 3-1 favorite? But his speed, brilliance, and dominance on his good days always make him dangerous.
But each time these two enigmatic horses step in the starting gate there is always doubt and apprehension, not knowing what to expect. That doubt and apprehension will be evident this coming Saturday when Sierra Leone and Fierceness square off in the Jim Dandy Stakes, which will go a long way in determining just who they are right now after disappointing and perplexing Triple Crown runs and how seriously they should be taken in the Travers Stakes and the rest of the year. It will also tell us if they are legitimate contenders for the 3-year-old championship or just talented, but undependable horses who can beat anyone on any given day.
There was a time for several weeks when they took turns being ranked No. 1 and 2 on the Derby Rankings, but never can I recall two horses of this caliber who proved to be so perplexing and so frustrating to their fans. That is why a horse coming off a 13 ½-kength win in the Florida Derby and another off a powerful stretch-running victory in the Blue Grass Stakes went off at lukewarm odds of 3-1 and 9-2 in the Kentucky Derby.
Fierceness has been given a rest since his debacle in the Kentucky Derby, which pretty much wiped him out for whatever reason, and he is now freshened and on schedule to run a big race if he follows his roller coaster form cycle. But will his competitive juices be flowing or will they dry up once again. If it’s the former he could easily score another runaway victory, and if it’s the latter it could just as easily result in another lackluster defeat.
Sierra Leone also has been given some time off following a grueling, gut-wrenching nose defeat in the Kentucky Derby, which many believe he would have won if he kept a straight course and not gotten into a roller derby-like shoving match with a stubborn Forever Young the length of the stretch. Equipped with a new bit in the Belmont Stakes to help keep him straight, he toiled in the rear of the pack for most of the race and finally kicked in nearing the top of the stretch while circling the field when his recently fired jockey Tyler Gaffalione riding a longshot made a right turn and came out into him turning for home, forcing him out and causing him to lose valuable momentum. He still came charging down the middle of the track as usual, but couldn’t keep a straight course and lugged in, again losing momentum. By the time he finally leveled off and kicked into high gear it was way too late and he had to settle for third.
We have been trying all year to figure out what these two horses are, but do we really know who they are? Did they show any signs of eccentricity when they were young and going through their early lessons?
Both colts actually have always been pretty easy going with great personalities and never really “wowed” anyone early on. According to David O’Farrell of Ocala Stud, Fierceness never did anything wrong as a young horse and never had a bad day, nor did he do anything to grab your attention. He just went about his business. It wasn’t until they “turned his head loose” and began breezing him three furlongs before shipping him to Todd Pletcher that he showed his brilliance. Even today he looks pretty ordinary galloping, but he has turned in some sensational drills working in company, often blowing his workmates away on the gallop-out.
As for Sierra Leone, who cost a whopping $2.3 million as a yearling, he was a big leggy colt with a beautiful walk who just needed to fill into that big frame. But what stood out to David Scanlon, who broke and trained him, was how cat-like he was for such a big horse. And it was that cat-like quickness that enabled him to make up a lot of ground in a short period of time and then explode down the stretch. After his powerful victories in the Risen Star Stakes and Blue Grass Stakes this year there didn’t look to be a 3-year-old in the country he couldn’t catch once he got rolling, even with his flaws.
So if you are looking at profiles and histories of both colts they appear to be nothing more than your average horse that just happens to be immensely talented with totally different strengths and running styles. But is there something else going on inside each horse that no one has been able to figure out; something that has prevented them from entering the realm of superstardom?
What makes it all the more frustrating is that all their losses have been of their own doing, although I must admit that in the Belmont Stakes Sierra Leone, who, yes, lugged in again at a crucial time, had a rough start and was assaulted turning for home. He was the aggressor in the Derby and more the victim in the Belmont. So the new bit didn’t work and the new jockey Flavien Prat didn’t work.
The bottom line is that Sierra Leone has lost three races in his career and in my mind should have won all of them. And all three of Fierceness’s defeats have had nothing to do with the competition, bad luck, or physical issues. For whatever reason, he just didn’t show up, appearing almost disinterested.
There is a line from the movie A Bronx Tale in which Robert DeNiro tells his son, “The saddest thing in life is wasted talent.” It is still not too late for Sierra Leone and Fierceness to prove their talent has not been wasted, and by wasted I mean the difference between being remembered as very good and being remembered as great. Both squandered their chances to achieve Triple Crown glory, but starting in the Jim Dandy and continuing with the Travers and Breeders’ Cup Classic and whatever other challenges their connections accept, greatness is still within their grasp, as is the 3-year-old championship and Horse of the Year honors. But with Dornoch scoring another gutsy victory in Saturday’s Haskell for his second consecutive Grade 1 victory, and with a classic under his belt, he is now the leading colt in this year’s crop. It is time for these two gifted colts to step up and put on the kind of show we know they are capable of.
I still have not seen a horse who I feel can defeat them on talent. Well, actually I have. Sierra Leone can beat Fierceness and Fierceness can beat Sierra Leone, depending on the pace scenario. And that is why the Jim Dandy Stakes is such an intriguing and important race. There will be some talented hoses showing up wishing that once again Sierra Leone can beat Sierra Leone or Fierceness can beat Fierceness. It’s happened before. But let’s hope for racing’s sake and for the sanity of the bettors it doesn’t happen again.
Photos by Grace Clark and Breeders’ Cup Ltd.
Racing historian, author, and award-winning retired journalist for the Daily Racing Form and The Blood-Horse, Steve Haskin was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame’s Media Roll of Honor in 2016. Known for his racing knowledge and insightful prose, he has been an exclusive contributor to Secretariat.com since 2020.
Enjoyed your input as always, Steve! Thank you!
Fierceness ran a heck of race considering he was 3 – 4 paths wide the entire race. As usual, Beyer will assign a non logical number and have second thoughts after a few days.
I’ll wait for the Thoro-Graph numbers. Hoping that the horse bounces back in good order and Pletcher will point him to the Travers. With the inclusion of Torpedo Anna, that should be one heck of a showdown with several top three year olds.
Spot on regarding Beyer.
There was an impressive 2-year-old Maiden winner at Saratoga yesterday named
Chancer Mcpatrick. Trained by Chad Brown and sired by McKinzie. How did that horse not end up in BB’s barn?
There was another horse in the same race named Invictus that caught my eye on looks. Big and Strong. Trained by Brad C by Into Mischief & Serengeti Empress. He tired badly in the stretch, but I expect big improvement next time. Travers Day? BTW, does Brad C always corner the market on “big & strong”?
I saw a couple of other McKinzies entered at Saratoga today, but I think that one of them may have scratched. For some reason I’m always drawn to those “Mc” horses.
Good point. Chancer Mcpatrick was bought for $725,000 and earned an 81 Beyer yesterday at Saratoga with his win. Another $700,000 two year old colt, Emerald Bay (Nyquist) trained by Baffert is entered in the third race today at DM.
It might, perhaps, be an interesting comparison…
As a follow up…Emerald Bay will be facing another McKinzie colt called McKinzie Street ($290,000) and trained by Tim Yakteen.
Interesting times following the babies…..
McKinzie Street might be a nice one…like Chancer McPatrick he us a TWO YEAR OLD PURCHASE , which usually means they showed running talent….
The go to trainer for Flanagan Racing, the owner, is Chad Brown.
Fierceness earned a 103 BSF for his Jim Dandy win yesterday. If I remember correctly, the same number that Dornoch was given for his Haskell victory last week. Good numbers, but not great. The point being that a longshot could jump up at any time in one of these races. I’m starting to think about Mindframe as a 4th or 5th choice in the Travers. Maybe even a 6th choice if Fierceness DOES run. Sierra Leone, Dornoch, Muth, and Thorpedo Anna possible in that Travers starting gate. I hope they all show up. It would make for a pretty good late Summer stakes race.
Regardless, proud of Sierra. He ran great,just not enough to win.
Jim Dandy was a good race and Fierceness ran a good race. He did not get the pressure I was expecting from Batten Down and in hindsight Batten Down ‘s jockey should have gotten the jump on him before he got to the far turn. Instead he waited until Fierceness made his move and by then it was too late. Sierra Leone ran a credible race and should improve off of it . Two horses I am very disappointed and in their efforts was Seize the Grey and Gould’s Gold. The either did not like the surface but neither gave a good effort. Seize the Grey I thought was set up perfectly for the race I liked were he was running at the beginning of the race. He either was not grabbing the track or maybe he is just a mudder. Pretty much the same for Gould’s Gold.
But the real reason I think Fierceness won is because Johnny V kept him on the best part of the track (outside) the whole race. The inside was slower. Why so much dirt on the horses that were behind and near the inside. Just my thoughts and opinion of this race.
Another disappointment was Arabian Knight. With all the stiff and sharp works I was expecting better than the way he ran today. For me though I felt he did not look good in the post parade. His ears were flopping and he did not seem to be on his toes. And another thing near the end of the race he shorten stride badly. Not sure if Baffert should put him in the Pacific Classic unless he feels just needed the race (which he did ) and he will get alot out of it. But he just about a month and he hopes to have him ready…. I don’t know. Maybe he will find something that caused this poor performance…. a hang nail ?!?!?!
BTW had no bets on either race just sat and watched.
Of course! Lol Scroll down-if you wish,regarding Seize the Grey prior to the race.
Downthestretch, you were right about the Bing Crosby. The Chosen Vron is a cool customer.
Thanks Katy, he is quite a horse. Saw your comments below and they were pretty spot on. Now we have to wait to see who shows up for the Travers.
Parenting…who was headed for The Haskell but got a virus and worked slow…races vs Ultimate Gamble in an older AOC…obvious Travers prep and for me…a bet-against, Ultimate Gamble is a good older horse with big potential…
Will be anxious to see how he runs. Hope a lot better than Arabian Knight did today
Sierra Leone ran his race—again….not good enough to catch Fierceness, but who can, when Fierceness shows up— maybe at ten furlongs but I think they said before the race the Travers was not in the plans, for Fierceness.. …..race time pretty solid 1:49 1/5…..Sierra Leone has never run a bad race, I thought he ran very well and perhaps being moved down to the rail actually helped him to run straight….Fierceness and his stable mate Mindframe both bear out at top of stretch, nothing wrong with that they both have run lights out…Travers next– Dornoch…Mindframe….Sierra Leone….Thorpedo Anna….Muth? (no prep?)….Batten Down…..if Fierceness eschews the Travers he won’t be in a good position to defend his Eclipse, I think Mike might enter Fierceness after all, he’s a gamer….
Perhaps Parenting and/or Dragoon Guard?
Honor Marie….hell be overlooked again, and he’s got a real shot
Of course he does! Ten furlongs is a tough race to have no prep…but Honor Marie is a good horse!..
It’s not ideal, but Whit made the right move if the colt needed time after the Belmont, and he did run well in the Derby off weeks off post LA Derby
Thanks Katy, he is quite a horse. Saw your comments below and they were pretty spot on. Now we have to wait to see who shows up for the Travers.
Betsy, Honor A. P. has another success in winner number 4 of his first crop at Monmouth with Shootersgottashoot.
And the winner is —— Fierceness!
(Sierra Leone over a length back 2nd, others fell back)
On to the Travers!
Well Fierceness did it.
My congratulations and my thanks to him and his connections. I really liked that one.
Exciting race, I thought. Half in :47.44 – just what the doctor ordered for Fierceness to do that thing he can do. Sierra Leone, thank goodness, a kinder and gentler bridesmaid… but what will we do with him next out? My child had Pony Express, and is pouting about the outcome. I liked Batten Down, and I am NOT pouting. Everyone came home limbs intact, and we saw a good one!
I liked Batten Down, too!
Yes, arlingtonfan, I liked Battern Down’s run as well. He seemed to get a little lost in the blinkers at the end.
In my very humble opinion, I think we, or in this case, I, learned something today.
When Fierceness wants to run, he wins.
Sierra Leone “wants” to be on the rail, for whatever reason. He had every opportunity to win today but Fierceness brought his A game. Johnny V rode him masterfully and kept him wide.
In other words really no excuses for SL. I am sure some will disagree with me.
I think keeping a regular jockey on a horse is often key to a horse’s success.
Ms. King, betting most on here would do cartwheels to own Sierra.
Hi Linda–Congratulations to Fierceness and his team. Pletcher, along with Bob Dunkin, figured out why Fierceness only fires every other race. He needs more time to recooperate between races. Running so fast takes a lot out of him and he needs more time.
Bob Dunkin, is the horse whisperer and retired head gateman from NYRA. He came highly recommended to Pletcher by H. Allen Jerkens after Quality Road’s meltdown at the gate in 2009 in the Classic. At the time, Quality Road refused to load on the plane and had to be vanned to NY from California. Dunkin has been working with Pletcher ever since.
Sierra Leone ran very well.
Katy, I watched the race and wondered what would have happened to both colts had Thorpedo Anna been involved with her zipping speed – uncomfortable for both of them I’d say.
If Thorpedo Anna can cope with 10f…
Davids, it would somewhat surprise me if Fierceness runs in the Travers.
Perhaps skip the Travers and run in another race as a p t episode for BC (if win then not show up is his pattern).
Saw a couple photos of Seize the Gray before the race, looked like he was washing out.
Guess you heard Auguste Rodin lost today, none of the 3 of Coolmore’s entries did not live up to expectations. Aiden said it was the turf conditions for AR.
Missed the post parade of the race. Could be the reason he did not run well. Saw the temperature was supposed to be near 90.
Yes Lynda, I was hoping for a Bluestocking upset but she needs a softer surface to really perform still she did well. As for Auguste Rodin, I tend to think the higgly, piggly uneven surfaces are against him. York is probably his best surface and again, no rain. Still, he has his Group & Grade 1 wins despite everything else.
Agree with you, that Fierceness is not best suited for the Travers Stakes but will Rapole relent? He likes winning the big races in New York (state). Ha ha
It will be interesting to see who lines up for the Travers Stakes, you would expect a large field.
Goliath is a French-trained horse. Maybe they had good juju spillover from the Olympics.
Or happy to be away from the rain. Ha ha Such a pity it rained so much during the opening ceremony, Paris’ architecture is so breathtaking.
Lukas has no shot to prevail.
Breaking news: Thorpedo Anna is pointing to the Travers!
I thought Kenny McPeek was pretty cool to come out and say, yes we are and here’s why. Tom Amoss was funny, giving Kenny McPeek the fist bump. He’s had some good fillies, and he was all for it! I would love it for “Anna” to be a name like “Rachel,” where we say it and know exactly what filly, just by the one name. Rachel took on a pretty spotty crop of colts, too. I think this is going to be alright. Might even be fun.
Dumb connections over spent RA. Gutted in Woodward. At least they didn’t own/ train Zenyatta.
Mike, I looked back at Rachel’s 3 year old campaign while reminiscing after the Coaching Club, and it was indeed shocking. Even more so with a 2024 lens. I still think Rachel Alexandra the horse was extraordinary. She answered the call, until she couldn’t.
Mismanaged! Almost ruined by egomanics.
Well I don’t think Thorpedo would have won today– and it’s 9 furlongs, they didn’t ask Rachel to win The Travers, so if Thorpedo can defeat colts at ten furlongs she will accomplish a truly rare feat in Horse Racing— She’s a beautiful and feminine filly, I hope she comes out of The Travers the same horse, I live that filly….
Also like her as well.
Personally I would not run her in the Travers. That’s just me. More to lose not much to gain.
Matthew, I saw a different race had Thorpedo Anna competed but the 10f is a concern especially with Dornoch’s dependency of the lead to win.
Swiss Skydiver defeated the 2020 Horse of the Year in the 2020 Preakness Stake and Rags to Riches defeated the 2007 Horse of the Year in the Belmont Stakes.
Did Rachel Alexandra ever defeat a Horse of the Year?
Personally, I wouldn’t have run Thorpedo Anna in the Travers, either. My goal for her would be to win the Tiara and then look to the road to the BC Distaff. I wouldn’t want her shoved around by the chucklehead colts of this crop, and I hope she just runs away from them all. Only thing to do now is have fun with it.
I see Kenny McPeek’s logic, and I appreciate what I take to be transparency. I’d be way too chicken for the risk!
Agreed! Case in point: his Derby winner is maybe out for remainder of year. Needed to skip Belmont, my opinion prior to that race.
Sportsmanship vs. horsemanship requires walking a very fine line.
I agree, Katy. Rachel was a great filly without the Woodward, but she will always be a legend at Saratoga because of that epic race. I wasn’t there to see it, but those who were will never forget. We never can know what will happen, but Anna deserves the chance, and it will certainly make for an exciting month of anticipation. As an aside, Mike Repole seems like a nice guy with a lot to live for, but every time I see him I wonder about his health.
Is it me or has he lost weight?
Have you seen Dale Romans, lately? Unrecognizable. Rapole has definitely lost weight. Racing needs Rapole, more than Rapole needs racing.
I think we can be happy for Dale Romans. I think he wanted to lose weight, and to be healthier. From what I know, Dale is a prince of a man.
Mike Repole has that beautiful daughter, and has to be an old parent (like me!). Maybe he just wants to be able to be healthy and be there for her. It crosses your mind. At least racing was actually fun for the Repole fam today! I hope both of those guys are OK.
Sort of related, has anyone seen an update on how the Asmussen sons are doing after their injuries?
I never thought to compare the idiosyncrasies of Fierceness and Sierra Leone because they are so different, but I found it very intriguing to see them analyzed in this column. As I’ve said many times, I’ve been a die-hard Fierceness fan ever since his first race, and I’m going to be pulling for him every time he runs. If we see the good Fierceness this afternoon, he’ll win big. If not, he could just as easily finish last. But I’m hoping for the good one. It occurred to me that the only thing he could do that would really be surprising is to finish in a photograph. Whether he is good or bad, the race always takes place way in front of him or way behind him. It’s never, never, never close. But I hope today they will all be behind him.
Jiffy, I think you called it.
Thank you. It was so good to see him run the way we knew he could.
This piece is an excellent promotion to the expected match between Fierceness and Sierra Leone in the Jim Dandy five hours from now. They both were deemed to be the heads of the class before the Kentucky Derby but now the fell below the gritty Dornoch in the ranking of the 3-yer-old division.
I believe the Travers will define the championship for the fourth consecutive year and the Jim Dandy has historically been the natural prep for the midsummer Derby.
This Century alone (excluding the outlier 2020) has seen all the Jim Dandy winners competing in the Travers with a tally of 11 winners including 8 dual winners of the Jim Dandy and the “fourth leg of the Triple Crown”. The Haskell has produced only 3 winners with champion Point Given being the only Haskell/Travers scorer.
Theoretically the talent and form of Sierra Leone and Fierceness are exceeding the grasp of the rest of the Jim Dandy field but I see the former favored as the only closer among the other 5 contenders.
Flavien Prat, with a ground saving trip in the first turn, has the opportunity to show he is the right jockey to harness the quirks of Sierra Leone while launching his demolishing closing run. It may prove difficult as Sierra Leone’s heavy left paddling is akin to your car’s left tires misaligned making it pulling to one side.
I am sure Steve and many of his followers remember Stakes horses that tended to bore out or in but I am just mentioning one of the most famous one. The problem of the great Whirlaway lugging out was solved by the legendary Ben Jones equipping him with a one (right) eye blinker.
Not so easy for Fierceness though…
Will Fierceness be in “fighting mode” today or will we see his gutless version exposed in the Champagne, Holy Bull and in the Derby?
The meanderings of Mindframe and Sierra Leone and the racing bipolarity of Fierceness made me see this crop as the “class of the idiosyncracy” (…I am really glad I don’t have to pronounce this word here…!)
I am venturing to say that there is no case like Fierceness’ in the history of Grade one horses.
Many great horses had one or two flops in their records but we are accustomed to see great and good horses running creditably enough all the time.
It is well known that Riva Ridge hated sloppy tracks which explained this awful runs in the Woodward and Metropolitan. Secretariat had a real excuse for his worst ever race (4th) in the Wood Memorial…
Who does not remember the dreadful of Seattle Slew to California?
Cougar II worst performances were in the 1970 Man O’War and in the 1971 United Nations over very soft turf footing.
Alysheba’s only fluke was in the Travers which was explained by his dislike of the sloppy track that day (also there were rumors of him being injected with a prohibited substance that morning which was never proven). Bet Twice also ran a subpar race in that Travers.
Holy Bull stopped breeding in the stretch of the Fountain of Youth and was very troubled in the Derby.
Again, every race horse may have a bad day but the “on-and-off” pattern of Fierceness cannot be explained by conventional reasoning.
I would love to see the rivalry of Dornoch and Sierra Leone highlighting the Travers and even the Breeder’s Cup Classic to prove who is the head of the class; but Fierceness continues to be seen as the “sleeping giant” that might awake anytime… the problem is that when he does he could very well face other bigger and more combative titans. Then Fierceness will be another two-year-old champion falling victim of the hit and run of history.
Nice piece Nelson ! Don’t agree with all of it (Travers will define the championship for one) but you make some analogies on good horse and reasons for flops.
On today’s Jim Dandy I will look elsewhere then Fierceness to win this race. I don’t believe the other trainers will let him run freely on the frontend (if they do no one will catch him) I am leaning (no pun intended ) for Sierra Leone to win this though I do not think Chad has him all cranked up for this race. Two horse that intrigue me are Seize the Grey and Gould’s Gold. If both sit off the pace they could make it an interesting finish. I am hoping Batten Down and Pony Express will be the one pushing for the lead with Fierceness. This is a very competitive race.
Good Luck everyone !!!
BTW …. I see Arabian Knight not having any problems in the San Diego Handicap at Del Mar. He usually shoots out of starting gate like a cannon…. won’t look back !!!
The Bing Crosby at Del Mar looks like one of the top races of the meet.
Thanks for your reply DtS.
My assumption is that either Dornoch or Sierra Leone will be headliners in the Travers… of course, you will have a more complicated championship race if Mindframe, a horse from the West or any other newcomer were to win the Travers.
We both like the son of Gun Runner today though…! I hope Prat “vindicates” himself this time after a less than optimum Belmont Stakes.
I am also like Arabian Knight to be prominent in the Handicap division the rest of the year… the BCC will be a very interesting contest with the many high quality 3-year-olds challenging a rather weak older horses…
Good luck in all your predictions today!
Seem we had wrong horse today.
Seems.
Sierra Leone ran a good race. Will improve off of it. Again I don’t think Chad had him at 100% not sure it was all his doing though…..More on this later.
Sierra Leone for the win!
Jon Hardoon reports Thorpedo Anna received a better Ragozin number than Dornoch, in fact Mindframe got a better number than Dornoch—according to the Ragozins…
Not surprising really, Matthew. Mindframe must have run quite a few extra lengths than Dornoch and Thorpedo Anna was visually more impressive.
I think it’s a very classy move by Pletcher to keep Johnny V on Fierceness and not try to blame the jockey for his losses. Another trainer did that with Sierra Leone and the horse had the same issues.
Johnny V was the jockey on Fierceness’s grand sire, Quality Road. I had the pleasure of watching Quality Road win multiple times at Gulfstream Park. Especially memorable was his win at the Pegasus World Cup a few months after his meltdown in the 2009 Breeders Cup Classic. Then I saw his son, City of Light, win the Pegasus World Cup. I was there for Fierceness’s races at Gulfstream. It’s difficult to believe that he is the same horse who decimated the rest of the field in the Florida Derby after his loss in the Holy Bull.
Both Fierceness and Sierra Leone have optimal post positions in the Jim Dandy. If they both maintain their positions in the race, it gives them the opportunity to show their best.
Hi Terri, totally agree about keeping Johnny V.
I was looking at the positions last night for SL and Fierceness and thought the same as you posted.
Optimal pp for both.
Thanks Lynda King. Good luck. I am not sure if I will be betting.
Don’t forget Lynda that Fierceness is a horse who wins every other race.
And although he’s been on the sidelines for a while, Pletcher will have him ready to run. Pletcher is well known for that.
Oops, when Quality Road ran at Gulfstream in 2010 it was the Donn Handicap. It’s been changed to the Pegasus World Cup.
Based on the finishing positions in the KD. The top 3 finishers form the FL Derby performed the worst of the 100 points KD Preps that had multiple entrants. Se Below:
Fierceness; 1st – 15th by 24 1/2L
Catalytic; 2nd – 19th by 40L
Grand Mo the First; 3rd – 18th by 37L
It wasn’t just Fierceness that performed poorly. It was the entire FL Derby continent. What does this reflect about the 2024 FL Derby? Fierceness defeated a very modest field none from which has returned to win a race. it was afield most of the top colts in the division would have likewise destroyed
If Fierceness’ FL Derby win with its accompanying 110 Beyer and negative 3 1/2 TG Number, is place into proper perspective. The refencing on his performance as mind-blowing should cease.
The colt’s performance was as unreal as his perceived exceptional ability which is aided and abetted by the High-Tech Program in existence in the barn he represents.
How has TP KD also rans performed in the JD?
Place Malice 12th by 13L (91 Equibase). Returned to win the JD after his Belmont win.
Stay Thirsty 12th by 11 1/4L (90 Equibase) Returned to win the JD after a 2nd place in the Belmont.
Flower Alley 9th by 71/2L- (102 Equibase) Returned to win the JD after a 2nd place finish in the Dwyer
Fierceness 15th by 24 1/2L Result pending
Steve, just now realized the lead was from Shakespeare. That about sums these two horses up! You must have had a better Shakespeare teacher in high school than I did.
TommyMcD and Davids have already mentioned it, but I think Batten Down has a significant role to play in the Jim Dandy. I’m not sure he can improve or hold the 105 in the Ohio, because he looked to come home tired. I don’t think it’ll stop him from being or pushing the pace, and he’s SO quick early. He also had a funky break alone on the outside in the Ohio, so could be a disruptor from the start if he doesn’t come out straight.
Fierceness did not seem to like dealing with competitors on the lead in the Holy Bull or KY Derby. He seems like he needs a breather between the quarter through just after the half to be able to make his big closing kick going through/off the final turn, and has not won since before the Champagne debacle (as far back as I looked) when the half went under :47 (although it was run in :50+ in the Holy Bull).
Pony Express hasn’t gotten big numbers and hasn’t beaten horses like McVay, but in the MSW he won in June, he went 3/4 in 1:10.98 on the lead, with one chasing and really trying to get to him at about that point. He put on some nice acceleration through the turn, then the field gave out behind him, so he cantered home. I don’t think Sadler would run him unless he thinks he is sitting on a good effort. Again, if there are three looking to set the pace, I’m not sure Fierceness will like it. The BC Juvenile was the only time he prevailed in that type of race set-up, and the half was pretty slow.
So, will speed carry? If not, Seize the Grey ought to be stalking with Gould’s Gold (who is a puzzling entry, to me). It’s getting closer to Travers time… so I’ll say again, I won’t count an Arrogate out this time in the 3y/o season. Plus, he’s been “rested,” for a Lukas horse.
We expect Sierra Leone will be off the pace for the closing run. This is a smaller field than he has been running in, so maybe that will help him focus. I don’t believe the training method of working him alone gets to the root of the behavior one iota, so I have many doubts.
If speed carries in any form, I expect whining. If Fierceness has no interest turning for home, I think you’ll have radio silence. If it rains or is muddy, I like Seize the Grey. I’ll watch through my fingers with my hands over my face, because them’s some flaky bookends, y’all.
Katy, going from what I’ve seen today at Saratoga ‘speed’ is definitely carrying. Hopefully, not as much tomorrow. I don’t enjoy races where all the speed are scrambling to get to the first bend nd then the race is over. You want competition unless you’re watching a Flightline then it’s pure ecstasy on how far they are going to win by.
The return of Speak Easy in Race 4 on Saturday is highly anticipated.
Speak Easy did not disappoint!
Katy, the track today appeared to be quite fair but I’ve only just watched replays. Would you say that’s correct?
Yes, very impressed with Speak Easy’s return no doubt a stakes race will be the next option and go from there.
Thanks for your analysis of the top two antagonists in the Jim Dandy Stakes: Fierceness and Sierra Leone. Although they have two of the top trainers in the business, the best two trainers are no longer alive. And the son of one of these two is working in Saudi Arabia (Jimmy Jerkens).
I think that Woody Stevens or H. Allen Jerkens would have gotten to the bottom of these two three year old stallions. Jimmy Jerkens would be given difficult horses as he learned from one of the best. P.S. I have been told by someone who worked for Woody Stevens that he never had a stallion gelded.
It should be an exciting race if both stallions show up.
Spot on!
Thanks Katy
Correct Terri!
This Blog focuses on Sierra Leon and Fierceness. One entrant cannot be trusted and the other cannot be trusted to run straight in the lane.
Sierra Leon’s dam recorded one grade stakes win which was the G1 Darley Alcibiades.
Fierceness’ dam finish 4th & 10th in two graded stakes at the G2 & G3 levels.
The Jim Dandy contains a likely stater whose dam won 7 graded stakes with 5 at the G1 level. The entrant’s sire has been mega leading sire at different intervals. This entrant could be classified as a product of breeding the best to the best.
The entrant was a last out gate to wire winner of a (G3) 9F Stakes that featured the following fractions and final time:
22.86; 46.82; 1:11.20; 1:37.22; 1:50.20
What exactly is noteworthy about a 9F Stakes completed in a modest 1:50 plus? Such fractions and final time when achieved after 3Turns are negotiated must be considered noteworthy.
The mile for the 2024 KD was completed in 1:37.46. The CD oval features a 1Turn mile. The above-mentioned stake involves a mile with 3Turns that was completed in 1:37.22.
What’s the purpose of comparing the KD a 1Turn mile split to a 3Turns mile split? SPEED! The winner of the above stakes might just be the fastest entrant in the JD field. Given that entrant pedigree and being a possible product of breeding the best to the best. Another gate to wire victory is possible.
But as usual, any pre-race analysis can be proven to be meaningless when the actual results come in.
Full brother wasn’t a half bad racehorse either… and not half as fast! I’m a fan. If it rains, who knows.
I’m for Fierceness in the Jim Dandy, hope he goes to the front and opens up. Happy Paris Olympics!
Bon Olympics de Paris a vous, Monsieur Discopartner.
I’m for Sierra Leone. Lot of pace in the race…. Fierceness will not have a lonely lead. On the other hand, if Johnny V can get him to relax and rate him just off the pace, then he has a good chance. Should be a fun race to watch.
Of the final KD preps, there was one with its top 3 finishers being starters in the KD and they finished 15th 18th & 19th.
The winner of this prep was showered with unparallel accolades. Were said accolades deserving, given the KD finishing positions of said top three, rendered it the worse of the final preps?
Cold facts matter in the decision-making process.
Bedtime Story wins Silver Flash Stakes running away!
Lynda, there is a possibility that Bedtime Story and Fairy Godmother could clash in the Alpha Centauri Debutante Stakes on August 24 at the Curragh or the Moyglare Stud Stakes again at the Curragh as they are both slated there but one doubts they’ll clash until next year after both have already won at least one Group 1 race.
They’ll attempt different 1,000 Guineas races next year for sure but what expectations should they both win for the first clash.
Thank you Davids.
Such a dilemma, like them both!
Ryan was quoted as saying after the race that she has not hit her top speed.
Matt, I’m unable to respond to you for some reason, so…
Jennifer is beautiful…and she’s so nice; I met her at a book signing. Cary retired early to be the best father he could be to his little girl…
It’s been so long since I’ve seen Notorious, or any of the movies I mentioned – I need to do a serious rewatch. The chemistry between Grant & Bergman was intense
Betsy, “Notorious” is one of my favorite Hitchcock films. Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman are perfect along with the sinister Claude Rains.
Did you know Rains had a special box to stand on to become level when close up with Bergman. In distant shots you can see Bergman has a good 6 inches on Rains. Ha ha
David, yes ! They’re all brilliant together….
Oh I did not know that, 🤣🤣🤣
OK, now I want to watch that one again!
My favorite Cary Grant movie is Arsenic and Old Lace – my preferred Halloween movie! I love the chaos.
I’ve never seen that – I’d probably love it
Steve,
I submitted a post, and it was flagged with the notation – ‘Your comment is awaiting moderation’
Based on your previous disclosure. I am aware you didn’t initial this hold. I am also aware that this is an automated feature that can be triggered by the inclusion of certain words, names and other triggers.
This is also a feature of the BloodHorse platform. If BB’s full name is included in a post is held for a review that never occurs. Just as the hold for moderation in this forum never occurs.
I find both the BloodHorse and Secretariat.com hold discloser to be an insult of the intelligence of the supporters of the respective impacted blogs. Why notify there is a reviewing in progress, when one is neither in progress nor will one be undertaken?
Whose intelligence is Secretarit.com trying to undermine?
The great Secretariat is an epitome of excellence. This deceiving notification, coupled with the disablement of the Right Click Option, doesn’t represent an embodiment of Secretariat’s excellence.
The changes coming to Secretarit.com that were advertised in bold prints seems to have included an increased the font size and other features. But these additions and improvement are less significant and negated if there are disabled functions and blocks that negatively impact the supporters of your blog.
A writer, analyst and historian your repute, along with your supporters deserve a platform which allows for uninhibited participation, with no denial of features that are user-friendly.
Send this to info@Secretariat.com. Hopefully he can explain it, Remember this a new reconstuctured website and there still may be some glitches. If you tell the right person it has a better chance of being correcterd.
I agree with disabling the right click feature and hope it remains disabled. There’s no need to copy and paste miles of statistics, when a few will suffice and they can be typed anew.
We all can look up equibase and other sources, for results and statistics. People can make their own comparisons. I seldom rely on anyone’s facts without checking them. Reprinting information provided by another source, without proper acknowledgement, was considered bad practice at one time.
Istabraq now races with the Heavenly Herd.
BTW, I love the new homepage.
Thanks Tommy. I do too
I just read a story on the death of Truth of it All, 1993 Canadian 2yo champion and Kentucky Derby starter. The good news is that he lived to age 34 and had a 27 year retirement on the farm of his breeder. The other side of the story is that he was rescued in 1997 from a $2,000 claimer. Maybe there is some rationale of which I am unaware, but I don’t understand how the owners who raced him (not the breeder, he was sold at auction for $14,500) could let a horse who gave them so much, fall that far. I know we wish they all could have safe retirements, but this one really troubles me. And I know other prominent owners have let horses down. If you don’t have the resources to take care of them, you shouldn’t own them.
Here’s your answer Todd, many connected with racing are a big zero!
Todd, it’s been a worldwide problem from whenever but for horse racing to continue on as a.major recreation aftercare has to be improved and implemented as mandatory.
I’ve always felt guilty knowing what happens to unwanted racehorses. I donate to various associations associated in aftercare but these means are not sufficient to protect many of these vulnerable animals.
States are quite happy to take from racing a certain percentage of income but wash their hands in protecting those animals who basically generate that income for the states involved.
This is why I hold Godolphin in high regard.
The have their own program to rehome and retire their racehorses.
Mike Repole and John Stewart are leading the way to bring about change.
Mr Stewart just rescued two broodmares and retired them to his farm.
If I am not mistaken Stonestreet also retires their pensioned broodmares to live out the remainder of their lives on the farm.
Yes, Lynda, you can add on the Aga Khan Stud and Juddmonte Stud. Coolmore as well but perhaps to a lesser extent.
I think that Steve Haskin summed it up perfectly. I always appreciate Mr. Haskin’s subtle digs without actually taking a dig: “Fierceness has been given a rest after his debacle in the Kentucky Derby, which pretty much wiped him out for whatever reason,”.
Can Fierceness or Sierra Leone still end up as the 3-year-old champ? Maybe. Dornoch, Seize the Grey, and Mystik Dan have something that neither Fierceness nor Sierra Leone do. That’s a victory in one of the 3 Triple Crown races. Add in Dornoch’s Fountain of Youth & Haskell wins and I say that he clearly stands above the pack as of now. Fierceness and Sierra Leone would have to do more than just win the Travers to take the crown from Dornoch IMO. But the door is slightly open. If any horse can win the Jim Dandy, Travers, and Breeders Cup Classic, there could be an argument. Maybe just the Travers and BC Classic for Sierra Leone and Seize the Grey. If Dornoch were to win the Travers, Pennsylvania Derby, or BC Classic, he’s the champ. Just one more big race. Ironically, if Sierra Leone, Fierceness, and Seize the Grey trade victories in upcoming races, Dornoch might not even need another win.
If Fierceness and Sierra Leone continue to disappoint, and with the slightly better than mediocre speed figures that these 3-year-olds are putting up(other than Fierceness’ two good ones), a new shooter could step up. Is there one out there? Pony Express? Batten Down? Bill Mott usually spots his horses correctly.
I’ll be watching on Saturday, but I’ll dive in on Travers Day.
I am at a total loss when it comes to both Fierceness and Sierra Leone.
Perhaps only a “horse psycologist” could get inside their heads and determine why?
Just my opinion but I think Fierceness is more of a conundrum than Sierra Leone.
I will not bore anyone with a wash, rinse, repeat of the implications of Sierra Leone winging out that I have mentioned before. I will only say that there is a reason for the the winging out. Could be a conformation issue, could be a problem in the upper leg or shoulder, even the neck.
It would seem to me that a thorough examination of the horse is called for. To date Chad Brown’s efforts as the trainer/conditioner have not resolved the problem.
Sierra Leone’s damsire was Malibu Moon, a stallion who did not sire particularly sound progeny. If there are Gun Runners out there with the same issues, I am not aware of them.
As to the lugging in, that is common in horses that wing out. It is also possible that Sierra Leone learned at an early age to intimidate other horses by coming in on them in a race that is run in counter clockwise direction in conjunction with winging out on the left fore thus there is not one problem there are actually two.
I am actually fearful when Sierra Leone races.
On another note, the video of Charlotte Dujardin whipping a horse mercilessly during a training session was a great disappointment to me. The ramifications will no doubt spread into other horse sports including horse racing. And yes I understand that the whip or crop is an aide for the jockey in horse racing. However hitting a racehorse repeatedly is uncalled for. I think we can expect more to come on this topic in Thoroughbred horse racing.
On a positive note, the Arabian mare who just won the Tevis Endurance (100 mile) is from the same bloodlines as one of my Arabian mares. Like Lena (Ozark Kaolina SWA), my mare is a petite 14.2 and loaded with stamina. Great things often come in small packages!
What a nasty piece of work is Ms Charlotte Dujardin. Disgraceful, ‘expletive.’
The equestrian disciplines for dressage, eventing and show ring jumping in the Olympics have changed dramatically since my childhood.
Many years ago the teams were composed of members of the US Military and they trained and rode totally different from the way the horses are today.
Sadly Dujardin is not the only one. There are others.
The bits that are used today are very cruel.
The poll of the horse is supposed to be eye level with the rider. Most of the horses today are flexed so severely their chins are just inches from their chests.
A dressage horse that is totally relaxed and ridden in a double bridle with a basic curb bit, taking almost invisible commands from its rider who does not move is a beautiful thing to behold. They do not have foam dripping from their mouths and can perform the entire routine, even a freestyle program without breaking a sweat.
Hopefully some good will come out of this.
That’s interesting Lynda, but sad to read, many years back now I had friends who performed in dressage competitions which was enthralling to watch. They had Quarter Horses because of their high intelligence.
This scandal has peaked my interest in following Equestrian Olympics again. Australia usually competes well in the Equestrian events so they will probably show them here.
Davids, this morning I saw a photo of a member of our US team in the dressage ring with the Palace of Versailles in the background. It eas breathtaking.
Cannot wait to see the cross country course that is also on the palace grounds.
Even if one does not follow or enjoy the Olympics equestrian events, it would seem that just watching a little of the dressage and cross country would be interesting from an artistic view point.
Couldn’t agree more, there is so much history and beauty in the architectural structure that you can’t help but feel this is a place of importance. Architecture, painting have influenced and been influenced by the surroundings.
Davids, if you get a chance search You Tube for a QH named Beautiful Lies.
She is a champion cutting horse.
Amazing!
I tried searching for “Beautiful Lies – Quarter Horse” on YouTube but without success. Do you have a more direct listing?
Davids, try the YouTube channel “Performance Horse Central,” 2024 PCCHA Derby & Classic 5/6 y/o Open Champs. Once he finishes herd work and picks his cow, rider’s hand goes down and it’s all her. Rider does not guide her until he asks her to back off again.
The working cow horses are ridden the whole time, but are super exciting. They complete a whole reining pattern, then get one arena cow to work. One day, I want a Quahadi colt in my pasture!
Thanks Katy, Beautiful Lies is magnificent. I can truly appreciate the skill/intelligence of the horse involved as I used to muster cattle in my youth and teens.
The horse I used to ride ‘Humpty’ was expert at his work, all I had to do was hold on. He was almost 17 hands but as gentle as a lamb. He intimated the cattle no end.
Happy days you wish you could return to.
There was that story of the man who would electrocute dressage horses of value—it would look like a heart attack—but eventually the insurance investigators figured him out…..there has always been bad persons around our (beautiful) sport….heck….I look at those 14-horse fields of geldings, filling those Hong Kong racecards—the fans LOVE those geldings—WHERE do they all go?….
Matthew W, insurance fraud has been rampant for years in all horse breeds and disciplines.
Thankfully the fraudsters are not getting away with it as much as they used to, but I think it is still happening.
Davies, this morning I saw photos of every jump on the cross country.
Not only a beautiful setting but so much creativity in the jumps,
Looking forward to watching as much as I can.
As to dressage, multiple comments from all over that people are just not feeling it this year and will not be watching. I may try to catch our American team. A very dark cloud now hangs over this event because of Dujardin.
Yes, Lynda, the Equestrian events in the Olympics having sumptuous surrounds. The architectural structures are just marvelous.
Did you ever watch the Disney film “The Horse in the Grey Flannel Suit”? I’ve been following jumps competition since I saw the film in 1968. When we lived in Europe it was a major sport shown on television with the West Germans extremely dominant.
Davids, very interesting that you mention AQA and dressage.
Actually any breed of horse can be trained dressage. Recently I watched a demonstration of draft horses!
If you ever have the opportunity to do so watch reining and cutting horses in competition.
Same principles that apply to classical dressage are used. Subtle shifts of the rider’s weight, leg pressure etc and most are ridden with a loose rein with just the ever so slight contact with the horse’s mouth.
Lynda, do you know which breed of draft horse were performing the dressage? Perhaps it’s on YouTube?
I used to watch the late Prince Phillip performing in carriage driving, he was excellent at the sport.
Yes, my friends showed me all the requirements in classical dressage my admiration for the skills of rider and horse is the utmost respect. I had a go a couple of times but with little success basically just confusing the horse’s intelligence and giving the girls quite a lot of humor. Ha ha
Davids, one I watched was of a Clydesdale.
Sorry do not have a link.
I follow so many different horse breeds, disciplines, groups etc I forget where I saw something.
I’ve found Belgian, Clydesdale, and Shire Draft horse dressage on YouTube thus far. You just want to hug them.
Davids, happy you found the draft horse dressage videos.
Another growing horse sport is horse agility which is similar to dog agility.
Years so we called it trail class. My Appaloosa mare exceled in this discipline.
The difference today is that you can ride your horse or you can show in hand. Showing in hand offers opportunities for people who can no longer ride due to physical limitations.
I have watched the carriage races you mentioned below regarding Prince Philip.
They are almost as exciting as horse racing!
Yes, Lynda. I adore watching Draft horse pulling and agility competitions in particular. When we were younger my friend Woody and I wanted to ride Appaloosas to fit in with our ‘cowboy’ lifestyles on the ranch. I wanted a Black Blanket with spots and Woody wanted a Palomino Blanket.
Whatever happened to those does of unbridled excitement and freedom?
Imagine all the instances we never hear about.
Sad to say Mike Relva you are correct.
Oh, such a fun read! Fierceness was such a conundrum for me in the Derby- I ended up putting him on my tickets, because I thought he’ll either win by open lengths or he’ll be entirely off the board. In retrospect, I could have at least saved a few bucks by keeping him out of the place spot. He’s amazing… when he shows up.
Sierra Leone was on my ticket for the Derby, too, but man, talk about his own worst enemy.
I have enormous gratitude to my husband, who picked Mystik Dan, based entirely on the name, and as I let him wager with my online account dollars, let me keep the winnings (as I also absorb his losses in the off years).
I am a Dornoch fan, though, and it was nice to see him get a little love in this article. I think he had a bit of a spell where he needed to regroup, and now is showing off how gutsy he can be. His demeanor makes me think a little bit of Silver Charm-when he sees another horse he can really dig in
Steve, the racing gods might quote you back from Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” – “Lord, what fools these mortals be!” trying to determine a race when it depends on a whim at our pleasure/displeasure. Ha ha
You argue well in supporting the excuses for Sierra Leone losses and, to a lesser degree, Fierceness’ inexplicable failings but with both colts having only won 3 of 6 starts the shine of ‘brilliance’ is wearing thin now. Moreover, should both fail in capturing the Jim Dandy Stakes their joint records will be certainly tarnished.
Perhaps, Bill Mott will upset both colts’ reputations in sending out Batten Down as a sleeper that just keeps going. Wouldn’t that be fun. As interesting as the Jim Dandy is, the Amsterdam Stakes on Friday could be even better. Pure Force could be ‘something’ in the making we’ll have to wait on that though.
The return of Speak Easy in Race 4 on Saturday at Saratoga is highly anticipated but will the same colt that sparkled once return after injury? Let’s hope so.
Many have claimed that the older horse category in the US is paper thin, well, in the latest NTRA thoroughbred poll half of the top 10 is covered by the older horse group with only one 3 year old colt represented – Dornoch; one 3 year old filly – Thorpedo Anna and three older females. Moreover, the dazzling performance of Tapit Trice’s triumph signals more strength in this division.
Before we settle down to watch an intriguing running of the Jim Dandy Stakes, over the pond, at Ascot, the running of Britain’s most prestigious open-age race, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, will take place. Even without, White Birch, King of Steel, and City of Troy competing it’s a great race. Will, Bluestocking upset Auguste Rodin or Rebel’s Romance? Watch, to find out it’s a sunny day.
Thanks again, Steve, for another racing treasure to read.
Giant’s Causeway and Dahlia won as three year olds (I think?) Dahlia was incredible at age three….
David’s the 1973 King George 6 Queen Elizabeth is the greatest turf race I ever saw!.. a lightly raced 3yo filly from France, DAY-lia!…..She bulled her way thru— probably a dq in Cali! Acceleration I never saw in a sltayer! And the horses she beat! I saw Dahlia savage Caucasus, and in their next race he wouldn’t pass her!…She was the queen!…
Matthew, were you at Ascot to see Dahlia’s triumph? Dahlia won the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 1973 & 1974 which is incredible. Enable won the race three times. Dahlia followed wins by the immortals: Brigadier Gerard, Mill Reef, and Nijinsky.
Dahlia had the misfortune of being born the same year as Allez France. Allez France never travelled well though, she came second twice in the Champion Stakes at Newmarket. Nonetheless, Allez France never lost to Dahlia in their 6 meetings.
Both Europe and the US had glorious racing in the 1970s – the same of which we will never see again.
Dahlia;s turn of foot in the; ’73 King George was nothing short of astounding, as it was later in D.C. International.
Steve, Dahlia was probably so pleased to get off those heavy tracks in France and away from Allez France that nothing was going to stop her. Ha ha
Dahlia is such a gorgeous name for a horse how could you not love her.
No I was not there, in fact it was several years after the race that I saw the ’73 King George 6…..but I did see Dahlia many times, Charlie was near the Stuki barn and I got to see Dahlia often, but I was young and did not know who I was looking at! Including Whittingham, I knew who he was but not WHO HE WAS—same with Cary Grant, who was a sweet man but I really didn’t know who he was, until years later, him and his cute little girl….I saw them often, and he even asked me to mark up his program, after I picked a longshot winner, that was Cary Grant trying to make others comfortable….my brother was a regular in the Hollywood Park Turf Club, and I also met Vince Edwards and Richard Pryor and his wife…all very nice, regular people….
Matthew, that’s a wonderful piece of history to remember. There is nothing more exciting than being close, or even better, being able to touch the horses you adore. I truly envy those days you had being close to Flightline – before the race, watching the race, and returning in triumph.
I actually worked within the film industry for a long time but never met Cary Grant who I adored as a kid. Even now, the Hitchcock films he starred in are watched regularly. You’ve been fortunate.
Best of luck to you.
I love Cary Grant …..I’m not even a movie person, but he was so brilliant and so gorgeous. My favorite movie is North by Northwest, but Bringing Up Baby, His Girl Friday and Notorious are phenomenal.
His daughter, Jennifer, wrote a book about him – what a great and wonderful father he was; it was such an emotional read.
Betsy I saw Jennifer with her father many times, she was an exceptionally beautiful looking child, and her dad treated her like royalty—That scene in Notorious….at the Horse Races..when Ingrid Bergman realizes Cary Grant is angry at her, for getting so close to Claude Rains—(which is what he had wanted her to do) –that was masterful acting, by both….but at the time I had no idea who Cary Grant was, just some Hollywood Park big wig in those thick glasses!..
Betsy, Cary Grant was so talented and had quite a range as an actor.
I so enjoyed watching TCM, all the really good movies from a bygone era.
Our cable provider dropped TCM from the line-up afew years ago.
There are options to buy these classic films but very few to rent on line and even fewer to watch for free.
Betsy, “Bringing Up Baby” is fabulous and hilarious. Hepburn dazzles along with Grant.
I was lucky enough to see North by Northwest in a cinema just recently with great sound. His Girl Friday is fun while Notorious is an absolute favorite.
In a way, you gave Cary Grant YOUR autograph! Cool stories, Matthew W. Yours is another memoir I’d read.
Loved reading your story!
1) Is there a reason I missed why Sierra Leone races wide and not on the rail? He obviously keeps trying to get there with his constant lugging in. Or maybe he is a bully who just wants to intimidate if a horse can be said to be such.
2) To me it appears that Fierceness needs to have everything go his way. Otherwise he pouts/sulks and doesn’t run. I can’t remember seeing a horse with so much talent have so little heart.
I am disappointed in them both.
Almost every horse has bad races from time to time.
If you look at their last four races….Dornoch and Fierceness have both run two huge races and two huge disappointments…..Sierra Leone has only run good races…..but he needs a signature victory….
Personally, I would really like to see these two brilliant horses run straight and true right to the finish line and finish together within a head bob at the wire. WAY too much theatrics from both of them this year. (Is Mercury ALWAYS in retrograde in their respective barns? I think not.)
Thank you for previewing what is sure to be a fascinating race.
Thanks for your analysis. I agree Sierra Leon is his own worst enemy. Fierceness is a miler who can stretch out once in a while. Maybe they should try Fierceness on grass or synthetic at a mile.
Fierceness is no miler.
Thanks again Steve! ALWAYS enjoyable and informative . After being on the Sierra Leone bandwagon since December I share the frustration and pain of many.
Also enjoyed Matthew W’s post and hope he’s correct!
Keep up the fine commentary
Thanks John. We know what Fierceness is capable of but I dot thnk we know yet what Sierra Leone is capable of.
Great analysis, Steve. In my opinion, Sierra Leone has shown me more, but then what do I know? This showdown should be epic, and then of course I’m one of the owners of Seize the Grey, so there’s my rooting interest. However, reality says that he has a tough assignment, but sometimes the great ones misstep, and someone else (hopefully STG) will pick up the pieces. Any way it turns out, it should be a great day, and of course safe trips for all.
You sure know as much as anyone else. And good luck with Seize the Grey.
I don’t know Steve. I don’t think you are giving Dornach any credit. He’s proven time and time again , he’s not letting someone go by him if he’s on the lead. So I don’t think Sl would have won the Rensen or Belmont if his race was better. Ask the connections of Mindframe. Dornach is the epitome of fighter .
Steve I think the Jim Dandy is more important for Fierceness to win than for Sierra Leone to win, I just want to see Sierra run straight and finish— I think had he run straight in Kentucky he wins The Derby by three….as it was he was fortunate to have not been dq’d to 3rd….more than any horse from this crop—Sierra Leone has the “it” factor, the star potential…I still can envision a Travers/Classic double, propelling him to Horse of the Year…..
I agree its probably more important to Fierceness. Sierra Leone will be a force in the Classic evwn if he keeps running like he has. Another bad race from Fierceness and they may start thinking retirement for fear of having him completely lose his form and diminish his stud value. I hope he runs well.
He’s in danger of becoming Bolt d’Oro! Ran that tremendous race at Santa Anita..then gor beat by Good Magic at Del Mar and then Justify…..then ran last in the Met Mile…..probably hurt his stud fee…..
Matthew, Bolt d’Oro eventually won the Santa Anita Derby bye to the disqualification of Justify.
Thanks Steve,
Nice set up for the upcoming Jim Dandy. For Fierceness it will be about the break. It he outbreaks everyone to the inside of him it can be all over for everyone else….. but there is some early speed to the inside of him that could spell trouble for him. Unless Pletcher has figured out a way to rate him, his race could be up in the air. I expect Sierra Leone to run his usual charge down the stretch…. timing will be everything with his run. With the other contestants this could be a very good race.
In other news Baffert sent Muth and Parenting out together in a 6 furlong work … each timed in 1:11 flat …….. Travers anyone ?!?! Stay tune !!!
National Treasure by himself 7 furlongs in 1:24… Nice prep for the Whitney !!!
One word describes these ….. SMOKIN’ !!!
Have a great week Steve !!! Always enjoy your column.
One other thing… Looks like Prat chose Sierra Leone over Arabian Knight for Saturday or Baffert chose Hernandez over him.
Prat has 10 mounts at Saratoga on Saturday.
Well I guess that answers that…. ” Show me the money ” !!!
Downthestretch, how good is Hernandez in your opinion? Every time I’ve seen him perform he’s impressed me.
Davids,
Hernandez has been Baffert’s go to jockey for him on the west coast. Very good with front runners. Has won top jockey at Santa Anita. Recently this past weekend won with a couple of Baffert’s two year olds. He is very capable.
Yes, agreed, Downthestretch. He has the talent to become a national name among the jockey fraternity. With Baffert’s suspension ending he’ll be able to become more prominent via the Triple Crown series.
Cool under pressure and an intelligent rider not dependent on a whip for results.
Would think the former.
Don’t know if Parenting will go in the Travers but this horse’s work also includes…
July 13 59.2 1/65
June 29 128 flat 1/1
June 22 58.3 1/30
That slow 7 furlong at the end of June was probably due to the virus he had.
I am with you on the Travers with with the Shared Belief at Del Mar a better spot and then on to the Parx Derby perhaps. We shall wait and see.
Yes the break is important but I dont believe it has cost him any races. A horse that talented is not going to lose that badly because the start.