In just 22 days, the hallowed grounds of Churchill Downs will tremble in anticipation of the heralded “Run for the Roses,” the 2024 Kentucky Derby. Anticipation is at fever pitch as fans eagerly await the exhilarating horseracing showdown among a formidable field of contenders. Sierra Leone’s $1 million triumph in the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland has already secured his place in the $5 million spectacle, setting the stage for a thrilling battle for the coveted $3.1 million winner’s prize.

Yet, as the list of formidable contenders continues to grow, one horse stands poised to keep Sierra Leone on his toes on the first Sunday of May. Who is the chief contender for Blue Grass winner Sierra Leone’s $3.1 million dream? Let’s find out!

The main contender for Sierra Leone

According to BloodHorse, Fierceness, owned by Repole Stable and trained by Todd Pletcher, is a powerful contender for Sierra Leone, coming in second in the Kentucky Derby 2024 standings with 136 points. Hailing from a strong lineage sired by City of Light and his dam, Nonna Bella, who is the offspring of Stay Thirsty, the thoroughbred Fierceness has shown impressive speed and talent in his racing career. He won his maiden race last summer, indicating early promise.

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Additionally, he scored a notable victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, which is a prestigious Grade 1 race for two-year-olds. Fierceness delivered an exceptional performance in the Florida Derby, winning by a remarkable margin of 13 1/2 lengths with a time of 1:48.22. This victory showcased his potential as a top contender for the Kentucky Derby. But how does that outshine Sierra Leone?

Why Fierceness can outshine at the Kentucky Derby 2024

Comparing Fierceness and Sierra Leone, significant differences emerge in their performances and achievements leading up to the Kentucky Derby 2024. Fierceness’s victory in the Florida Derby, a race with a notable track record of producing Kentucky Derby winners, underscores his potential as a top contender.

With the Florida Derby producing the Kentucky Derby winner 25 times between 1953 and 2023, Fierceness’s success in this race shows his ability to perform under pressure. In contrast, Sierra Leone’s triumph in the Blue Grass Stakes, while securing him a spot in the Kentucky Derby, raises questions about his consistency, given his initial concerns when he hesitated to load into the starting gate once the race began.

While Sierra Leone’s victory at Keeneland is commendable, his time of 1:50.08 for 1 1/2 lengths suggests room for improvement compared to Fierceness’s impressive clocking of 1:48:22 in the Florida Derby. Overall, Fierceness emerges as a tough competitor with a proven track record of success in top-tier races, making him a formidable contender for the upcoming Kentucky Derby. With 3.1 million dollars on the line, will he outpace the leader of the Kentucky Derby 2024 standings, Sierra Leone? Comment below!

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