Saratoga Shocker: Delgados’ Ferocious Win Sparks Hopeful Buzz!

Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

At the Ocala Breeders’ Sales event for 2-year-olds in training this March, a young Flatter colt, dark bay in color and catalogued as Hip 494, captured the attention of affluent buyers when he sprinted a furlong in just 9 4/5 seconds. His robust gallop post the breeze only heightened the anticipation surrounding him.

Ramiro Restrepo, a seasoned bloodstock agent, was particularly captivated by the colt’s performance over that short distance and was equally taken by the colt’s composure as numerous potential buyers requested to examine him outside his stall. Amidst such bustling surroundings, the colt remained unfazed—a quality not often observed in young horses.

“Observing a horse maintaining such mental fortitude in such settings makes you think he’s ready for bigger challenges,” Restrepo reflected.

In collaboration with Gustavo Delgado Jr., with whom he had previously secured Mage, the previous year’s Kentucky Derby champion, Restrepo set his sights on Hip 494 for Jose Aguirre of JR Ranch, who tasked them with picking the standout horse at the sale.

They were not alone in their admiration for the colt, and as the auction progressed, the bids soared higher than expected. Yet Aguirre, communicating with Restrepo over the phone, urged him to persist.

“Keep going,” Aguirre directed. “Secure him no matter what.”

Ultimately, acquiring the colt required a hefty sum of $1.3 million. The investment quickly showed promise.

The colt, named Ferocious by Restrepo, debuted impressively at the Saratoga race meeting, overcoming a challenging start to triumph by 7 3/4 lengths in a six-furlong race on August 3.

It was a tense yet ultimately rewarding day for the ownership group, which included Aguirre, Restrepo, the Delgado’s OGMA Investments, and High Step Racing.

“The horse proved that we made the right decision to invest heavily,” Delgado remarked, overseeing operations at Gulfstream Park with his father. “It’s not always the case, but so far, everything looks promising.”

Ferocious received a 96 Beyer Speed Figure from Daily Racing Form for his remarkable debut performance. Despite a disadvantageous start, jockey Javier Castellano quickly regained control. Once in stride, Ferocious outclassed eight competitors on a rain-affected, sealed track, showcasing his affinity for such conditions that had been evident during training.

Having demonstrated significant potential, his connections are preparing him for the prestigious Grade 1, $300,000 Hopeful Stakes, a seven-furlong race set to occur at the close of the 40-day meet on Labor Day.

“He’s in great shape—healthy and happy. It makes perfect sense to enter him,” Delgado confirmed.

Ahead of the Hopeful Stakes, Ferocious trained lightly, running four furlongs in 50.88 seconds on August 18 and then five furlongs in 1:02.63 six days later.

“Given his impressive win and the upcoming Grade 1 race, it’s clear he’s a top contender,” Delgado explained. “We have to pursue these opportunities when they arise.”

Since joining the stable, Ferocious has continued to impress. “We knew we had a quality horse,” Delgado said. “The numbers and his demeanor suggest he’s ready for stakes level competition.”

The Hopeful Stakes will further test his capabilities in what is one of the calendar’s key races for 2-year-olds. “We’re still exploring his limits,” Delgado admitted. “So far, the indicators are very positive.”

While the Nov. 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile is a potential target, Delgado is cautious about looking too far ahead.

“One race at a time,” he emphasized. “His well-being is our top priority.”