Fierceness Takes the Alysheba Stakes in Track Record Fashion

In a commanding performance, Fierceness lived up to his name by capturing the Grade 2 Alysheba Stakes at Churchill Downs, setting a new track record in the process.

Trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by John Velazquez, the 4-year-old colt completed the 1 1/16-mile race in 1:40.66, surpassing the previous record of 1:41.04 set by Successful Dan in 2012.​

At the start, Most Wanted quickly took the lead, followed closely by This Is Uscar and Hall of Fame.

Breaking from post four, Fierceness settled off the early pace set by Most Wanted, who led through fractions of: 23.89, :47.58, and 1:11.36 throughout the first three-quarters.

Approaching the final turn, Johnny V guided Fierceness to the outside, initiating a decisive move that saw him overtake Most Wanted in the stretch.

Despite a valiant effort from Most Wanted to reclaim the lead, Fierceness pulled away in the final strides to secure a 1-1/2-length victory.​

Most Wanted, trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Florent Geroux, set a solid pace and fought gamely in the stretch but ultimately could not withstand Fierceness’s late surge.

Hall of Fame, under Joel Rosario for trainer Steve Asmussen, maintained a stalking position throughout and finished 2¾ lengths behind the runner-up.​

Locked, who was expected to be Fierceness’ primary challenger today, broke at the back of the pack and rallied mildly in the stretch to finish a non-threatening fourth, 6-3/4 lengths behind the winner.

This Is Uscar and Katona, who finished fifth and sixth, respectively, rounding up the order of finish.

Fierceness’s record-setting performance in the Alysheba Stakes not only adds a prestigious victory to his resume but also positions him as a formidable contender in the older horse division for the remainder of the racing season.

We may see Fierceness in a duel with White Abarrio on the $1 million Met Mile, which will again be held in Saratoga this year due to the renovation at Belmont Park, and will take place on Saturday, June 7, 2025.

Fractional Times: 24.39, 48.31, 1:11.11, 1:34.44
Final Time: 1:40.66 (New Track Record)

Winning Connections

Winner: Fierceness
Jockey: John Velazquez
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Repole Stable (Mike Repole), Michael B. Tabor, Derrick Smith, and Mrs. John Magnier
Breeder: Repole Stable, Inc
Bloodline: Bay Colt, by City of Light out of Nonna Bella, by Stay Thirsty. Foaled Mar 28, 2021 in Kentucky
City of Light is standing at Lane’s End, Versailles, KY. ($35,000 stands & nurses)

Payouts

Exotics

• $2 EXACTA (4-5) Paid: $25.92
• $0.50 TRIFECTA (4-5-3) Paid: $18.70
• $1 SUPERFECTA (4-5-3-2) Paid: $40.89

Watch the Race