From Tuesday, April 23, 2024Todd Pletcher, after possible Derby favorite (and 2-year-old champ) Fierceness and G1 Ashland winner Leslie’s Rose trained at Churchill Downs for the first time after arriving Monday. In Fierceness, Pletcher for the third time brings in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner and 2-year-old champion (all owned by Mike Repole) to the Kentucky Derby. He’s hoping Florida Derby winner Fierceness is the first of the three to make it to the starting agate.
Jockey Ben Curtis, who came over from his European circuit looking for a new challenge in riding in America, finds himself with a Kentucky Derby mount only six months into riding in the U.S. Curtis finished second on Honor Marie in the Louisiana Derby, and trainer Whit Beckman and the owners opted to keep him aboard for the Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky-based trainer Whit Beckman talks about keeping Ben Curtis on Honor Marie amid a barrage of phone calls from representatives of more prominent riders looking for a mount. (He talks about much more)
Source: Kentucky HBPA
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