In the $250,000 Holy Bull (G3) at Gulfstream Park, Repole Stable's Fierceness entered as the imposing favorite. However, D J Stable LLC and Robert Cotran's Hades, undeterred by the 2023 Eclipse Award-winning juvenile, displayed unwavering determination.

Maintaining an undefeated record in two prior starts, Hades seized control right from the commencement of the 1 1/16-mile stakes for 3-year-olds. Breaking alertly, he took the lead and never relinquished it, securing a notable 6-1 upset victory with a winning payout of $14.60.

The 35th edition of the Holy Bull, a preparatory event for the March 30 Curlin Florida Derby (G1), headlined a 12-race program featuring five stakes for 3-year-olds, including four graded stakes. Additionally, the Holy Bull awarded qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby, distributing 20-10-6-4-2 to the top five finishers.

Trained by Joe Orseno, Hades faced early pressure from Inveigled and late challenges from Fierceness but displayed ample reserve in the stretch to pull away from the fading 1-5 favorite. Late-charging Domestic Product secured the second position, finishing two lengths behind the victorious Hades and 1 ½ lengths ahead of Fierceness.

Image Gulfstream Park