Kentucky Derby 150 favorite Fierceness must overcome winless post No. 17 | Derby 150 [Video]

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Off a dazzling victory in the Florida Derby, favored Fierceness drew the No. 17 post position for Kentucky Derby 150 next Saturday at Churchill Downs.

Trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by jockey John Velasquez, Fierceness has won three of five career starts including a record 13 1/2-length score in the Florida Derby March 30. The colt, however, has yet to win back-to-back races while earning $1.7 million in his career.

In Derby history, 44 horses have started from post 17. None of the 44 have won, with a pair finishing second and four finishing fourth. Still, Fierceness earned 5-to-2 favorite status in the morning line odds. At 3-1, Sierra Leone is expected to be the second betting choice.

“Most of the speed is lined up inside and is trying to come out running,” Pletcher said. “We’ll kind of see where everybody’s positioned.

“Potentially I think …