Photo:

Jason Moran / Eclipse Sportswire

Three-time Grade 1 winner Fierceness reportedly will miss
big money races this winter in Florida and the Middle East after having ankle
surgery in Kentucky.

Trainer Todd Pletcher told Daily Racing Form that the
likely Eclipse Award finalist in the 3-year-old male division underwent the
operation after he finished second to Sierra Leone on Nov. 2 in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar.

Flashback: Sierra Leone defeats Fierceness in Breeders’ Cup.

“We sent the horse to Kentucky (to be turned out) and gave
him a complete physical,” Pletcher told DRF’s David Grening. “After
consulting with several veterinarians, we decided to do an elective procedure
on a hind ankle.”

Fierceness, who was the champion juvenile male last year, figured
to be in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) next month at Gulfstream Park
and the Saudi Cup (G1) in February at King Abdulaziz Racecourse.

Pletcher told DRF that he expected Fierceness back in
his barn in February. His new Grade 1 targets include the Met Mile and Whitney
at Saratoga and the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar. A start this spring also
could be in the offing.

Fierceness is owned by Mike Repole. He has a record of 9:
5-1-1 with $3,856,350 in earnings.