Nice Guys Stables and Steve Hornstock’s Fierce Lady, who turned heads with an impressive debut effort on June 22 at Belmont, will go through the sales ring on Monday at the Fasig-Tipton July Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale in Lexington.
The dark bay daughter of Competitive Edge, out of the A.P. Jet mare Anjorie, was bred in New York by Sugar Maple Farm.
Trained by Dermot Magner, a former foreman for Todd Pletcher and later an assistant for Chad Brown, said the filly showed the makings of a good horse when purchased for $75,000 at the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.
“I thought she was put together well. I worked for Todd Pletcher when Competitive Edge was there and I always liked him as a horse,” said Magner. “Of the freshman sires, we thought he was one worth taking a chance on.”
Fierce Lady debuted in a New York-bred five-furlong maiden tilt and leaving from the rail under Hall of Famer Javier Castellano showed good early speed through splits of 21.82 seconds, 44.49 and stopping the clock in 56.47 in a six-length front-running score.
“She worked from the gate here and showed some speed. She was drawn on the rail, which is always a worry but once she got to the lead going to the turn, I knew she’d run a big race. Javier rode her very well,” said Magner.
Magner said Fierce Lady has blossomed following her successful debut.
“She’s come out of the race well and has trained exceptionally well. She has an air of confidence about her since the win,” said Magner. “She’s scheduled to fly to Lexington on Sunday to go to the sale Monday night.”
Fierce Lady is nominated to the Grade 3 Schuylerville, slated for Opening Day July 11 at Saratoga, but Magner said the filly is a better fit for the $100,000 Stillwater, a six-furlong sprint for New York-breds on July 18.
“The Schuylerville came back a little too soon. If she doesn’t sell, she’ll come back and join us at Saratoga and run in the Stillwater,” said Magner.
