Fierceness and Sierra Leone Headline Star-Studded Whitney at Saratoga

The two horses that fought out the finish of last year’s GI Breeders’ Cup Classic are set to clash again in a blockbuster renewal

Sierra Leone and Fierceness, in Last Year's Breeders’ Cup Classic / BREEDERS' CUP

SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York (Special for Turf Diario).- Saratoga is gearing up for a blockbuster Saturday with the 98th running of the G1 Whitney S., one of the marquee events on the American racing calendar. Offering a $1-million purse and a "Win and You're In" berth to the GI Breeders’ Cup Classic on Nov. 1 at Del Mar, the 1 1/8-mile contest for 4-year-olds and up will highlight a 13-race card featuring five graded stakes and $3.2 million in total purses.

A field of 10—eight of them millionaires—has been entered for the Whitney, which promises a high-stakes rematch between champions Fierceness, last year’s 2-year-old Eclipse Award winner, and Sierra Leone, the reigning Breeders’ Cup Classic hero. Also in the mix is White Abarrio, a four-time G1 winner and the field’s top earner with over $7 million in career earnings.

After finishing a troubled second from the rail in the GI Metropolitan H. on June 7 at Belmont-at-Aqueduct, Fierceness returns to two turns, where he has shown his best form. Trained by Todd Pletcher for the powerhouse partnership of Repole Stable, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, and Mrs. John Magnier, the son of City of Light was a dominant winner of last year’s GI Travers S. and GII Jim Dandy S. at this same venue.

“He didn’t get away cleanly from the inside in the Met Mile, and it cost him,” Pletcher said. “Back at Saratoga and going two turns, we’re expecting him to show his best.” Fierceness will break from post 9 under John Velazquez and carry 124 pounds.

Sierra Leone, trained by Chad Brown, has yet to win in three starts this year but exits a runner-up finish in the GI Stephen Foster S. A son of Gun Runner, the colt sports the colors of Peter Brant and Coolmore and will have Flavien Prat aboard from post 5. Brown also saddles Contrary Thinking (Into Mischief), a front-running allowance winner on June 29 who steps up to G1 company for the first time.

“We’re hoping for an honest pace,” said Brown. “He’s been right there in every race and, with the right setup, I think he’s got a big shot.” Sierra Leone also totes 124 pounds.

Defending Whitney winner White Abarrio, now trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., returns to the scene of last year’s 6 1/4-length romp. The son of Race Day won this season’s GI Pegasus World Cup and GIII Ghostzapper S., and was a troubled fourth in the Met Mile.

“He’s doing well and training with purpose,” Joseph Jr. said. “If he brings his A-game, he can beat anyone.” Irad Ortiz Jr. will ride from post 7 (124 pounds).

Though Pletcher has made clear that Fierceness is his primary contender, he also entered Mindframe, undefeated in three starts this year, including the Stephen Foster. “He’s matured and shown versatility. We’ll be ready to go with him if needed,” the trainer said. Jose Gomez is named on Mindframe, who drew the rail and carries 124 pounds, though he is considered unlikely to run if Fierceness starts.

Skippylongstocking, stablemate to White Abarrio, is fresh off a win in the GII Hollywood Gold Cup and will break from post 2 under Jose Ortiz (122 lbs).

Post Time (Frosted), third in last year’s Whitney, enters off a sharp victory in the Deputed Testamony. Sheldon Russellhas the mount from post 10 (120 lbs).

Highland Falls (Curlin), trained by Brad Cox for Godolphin, returned from a break with an impressive win and returns to Saratoga, where he was runner-up in the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup. He starts from post 3 with Luis Saez(124 lbs).

Disarm (Gun Runner), who was second in the 2023 Travers and third in the Gold Cup, represents Steve Asmussen and will be ridden by Joel Rosario from post 6 (120 lbs).

Mama’s Gold (Bolt d'Oro), second in the Commentator S. for New York-breds, completes the field from post 4 under Romero Maragh (120 lbs).

More than just a headline race, the Whitney will serve as a major launching pad toward the Breeders’ Cup Classic. With established stars, emerging contenders, and $1 million on the line, Saturday’s showdown at Saratoga is poised to be one for the ages.