Fierceness Wins Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga

Fierceness, trained by Todd Pletcher, made a remarkable comeback in the Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga, winning decisively after a disappointing 15th-place finish in the Kentucky Derby. He outpaced Sierra Leone, who placed second, and Batten Down, who finished third, while Preakness winner Seize the Grey took fourth. The victory marked a significant turnaround for Fierceness, showcasing a tactical and athletic performance that hints at a promising future in the upcoming Travers Stakes. This race serves as a crucial prep for the Travers, where Fierceness will likely compete against top contenders including Dornoch and Mindframe. The Jim Dandy is historically significant, having produced numerous Travers winners, and this year featured a competitive field with Sierra Leone as the morning-line favorite. Pletcher's careful management of Fierceness during his layoff appears to have paid off, setting the stage for a strong run in the Travers next month.