In the ever-unfolding story of the Triple Crown series in 2025, few names have captured attention as swiftly and convincingly as Sovereignty. This Godolphin homebred trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott emerged as a top Kentucky Derby contender thanks to a rare combination of speed, stamina, and tactical maturity.
After a gutsy win in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth and a thrilling victory in the Kentucky Derby, Sovereignty seemed poised to chase racing’s most coveted prize. However, just as the Preakness Stakes drew near, his connections made the bold decision to skip the second leg of the Triple Crown. It altered the trajectory of the series and reignited debates about modern race scheduling and horse welfare.
What does this mean for the Preakness, racing fans, and Sovereignty’s future?
Who is Sovereignty?
Sovereignty has established himself as a legitimate contender for the Kentucky Derby, showcasing a rare blend of tactical speed and finishing strength that marks him as a promising classic runner. Trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott and bred by Godolphin, this homebred colt has made impressive strides across his four-race career, highlighted by a gritty neck victory in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes on March 1, 2025.
Sired by Into Mischief and out of the Bernardini mare Crowned, Sovereignty’s pedigree is a compelling mix of speed and endurance. Into Mischief, known for producing fast milers, has also proven his capability to sire horses that thrive at classic distances. The Bernardini influence on the dam’s side adds a crucial stamina component, making the 1 1/4-mile Kentucky Derby distance seem well within reach.
Sovereignty’s running style has developed notably over time—from a late-running sprinter in his debut to a pace-adaptable router who can respond to different race scenarios. This versatility was on full display in his last two stakes victories, including a dominant five-length win against Street Sense and a tenacious performance in the Fountain of Youth, overcoming a wide trip to get the job done.
Sovereignty to Skip Preakness Stakes After Derby Victory
Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty will not compete in the upcoming Preakness Stakes, ending any chance of a Triple Crown winner this year, the seventh consecutive year without a sweep of the series.
On Tuesday, Preakness officials confirmed that trainer Bill Mott informed them of the decision to skip the second leg of the Triple Crown. “We received a call today from trainer Bill Mott that Sovereignty will not be competing in the Preakness,” said Mike Rogers, executive vice president of 1/ST Racing, the organisation that runs the event. “We congratulate Sovereignty’s connections and respect their decision.”
Instead, Mott plans to point the colt toward the Belmont Stakes, which will take place on June 7, 2025 at Saratoga Race Course, marking a historic shift for the final jewel of the Triple Crown. As early as Sunday morning, Mott hinted that Sovereignty might bypass the Preakness, emphasizing the horse’s long-term welfare.
“We want to do what’s best for the horse,” Mott said during a press conference at Churchill Downs. “Of course, the Triple Crown is always a consideration, but our responsibility is to the horse first.” Sovereignty, piloted by jockey Junior Alvarado, claimed victory in a muddy Kentucky Derby at 7-1 odds, overtaking favorite Journalism in the final stretch.
Michael Banahan, Godolphin’s U.S. director of bloodstock, described the choice as a collective decision between the trainer and the ownership team, saying in a text message to the Associated Press that both parties believe “it’s the right direction for the horse going forward.” Mott has not yet provided additional comments.
The Ripple Effect of Sovereignty’s Withdrawal
The absence of Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty from the Preakness Stakes significantly impacts both the Preakness and the Triple Crown narrative. His victory in the Derby made him the biggest storyline heading into the Preakness, and his absence diminishes the excitement and reduces casual fan interest in the race. A Derby winner competing in the Preakness traditionally brings heightened attention and betting activity.
Without the Derby winner, the Preakness loses its immediate connection to the Triple Crown chase. This means the race becomes a significant event on its own but lacks the added intrigue of potentially witnessing a horse continue its journey toward racing’s most elusive achievement.
Sovereignty was likely to be the favorite or a very strong contender in the Preakness, and his absence reshapes the 2025 betting odds, potentially elevating other horses like Journalism and Baeza to become the new top choices.
While the Triple Crown angle is diminished, the Preakness will still offer other compelling narratives. This could include horses who didn’t run in the Derby stepping up, rivalries between other top contenders, and the performance of horses looking to establish themselves for the Belmont Stakes.
Regarding the Triple Crown in general, Sovereignty’s decision means that for the seventh consecutive year, no horse will attempt to win it. The last horse to achieve this feat was Justify in 2018. This ongoing drought fuels discussions and debates about the challenges of the modern Triple Crown campaign.
The fact that another Derby winner is skipping the Preakness intensifies the long-standing debate about the spacing of the three races. Many argue that the two-week gap between the Derby and the Preakness is too demanding on modern thoroughbreds, leading trainers to prioritize their horses’ long-term health and careers over a Triple Crown bid.
Sovereignty’s connections have indicated their intention to run him in the Belmont Stakes. This means he could still play a significant role in the final leg of the Triple Crown, even without competing in the Preakness. But, his absence from the Preakness might also influence the decisions of other Derby contenders regarding the Preakness, potentially affecting the composition of the Belmont field.
The trend of Derby winners skipping the Preakness adds weight to the arguments for reforming the Triple Crown schedule. Proposals extending the time between races will likely gain further traction as the current format appears increasingly challenging for top horses.
Final Words
Sovereignty’s decision to bypass the Preakness Stakes may be a letdown for those hoping to witness a Triple Crown bid, but it reflects a growing shift in how top contenders are managed in modern racing. Prioritising the horse’s longevity over immediate glory, his connections are making a calculated move with eyes set on the Belmont Stakes.
While his absence reshapes the Preakness narrative, it opens the door for new storylines, emerging talent, and a possible rethinking of the sport’s most celebrated series. One thing remains certain—Sovereignty’s journey is far from over, and all eyes will be on him as he returns to the spotlight in Saratoga this June.
