Fierceness to Pass Belmont, Point to Haskell

The GI Belmont S. lost a major contender Thursday when trainer Todd Pletcher revealed that last year's juvenile champion Fierceness (City of Light) will pass the final leg of the Triple Crown and will instead point for the GI Haskell S. on July 20 at Monmouth Park.

The Daily Racing Form's David Grening was first with the story.

“We felt like Fierceness needs more time and will point for the Haskell,” Pletcher said in a text message.

Fierceness has not run since finishing 15th as the beaten favorite in the GI Kentucky Derby, repeating a pattern where he seems to run his best every other race. Prior to the Kentucky Derby, he won the GI Florida Derby by 13 1/2 lengths.

Pletcher still has three horses pointing for the Belmont in GIII Peter Pan S. winner Antiquarian (Preservationist), maiden Protective (Medaglia d'Oro) and recent allowance winner Mindframe (Constitution). All three will work Saturday.

Though he has yet to announce his final decision, trainer Kenny McPeek said Thursday he is leaning toward running Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan (Goldencents) in the final leg of the Triple Crown. He also said he will point for the GI Travers S.

“The Belmont actually seems to be a little more attractive because I don't have to ship, it is Grade I, obviously the prestige is a no-brainer,” said McPeek, who has already shipped Mystik Dan to Saratoga. “We want to run, we do, we just got to make sure that all boxes are checked, t's are crossed and i's are dotted.”