Sovereignty’s Trainer Sends Subtle Warning to Journalism and Others Post Honest Belmont Stakes Prep Revelation

“You want a career to last more than five weeks,” said Bill Mott on the decision to scratch Sovereignty from the 2025 Preakness Stakes. While that was an announcement that broke many horse racing hearts across the US and beyond, it was also a move that stemmed from prioritizing the Derby winner’s health. However, the colt is now ready to return to action for the third jewel of the Triple Crown, and Mott thinks the horse’s foes should brace themselves for a storm.

Sovereignty pulling out of the Pimlico Race Course robbed fans of the chance to witness the rematch between the thrilling horse and Journalism, the second-place finisher at this year’s Derby. With Mott’s colt out, the Michael McCarthy-trained horse picked up a thundering victory at the Preakness. But that much-anticipated second round of the impressive rivalry could happen at the Belmont. But Sovereignty’s trainer thinks it could instead be a one-sided affair.

In an article by US Racing, speculations about Sovereignty’s poor health were brushed aside by the Derby-winning trainer. “He’s almost a little more aggressive,” said Mott of his beloved horse. With that, he made it clear that it’s not like the Kentucky Derby had negatively affected the equine celebrity, as many speculated following Sovereignty pulling out of the Preakness.

“It (the Derby) hasn’t set him back. He’s just getting a little stronger than he was. He wasn’t quite that strong (before the Derby),” Bill said frankly that Sovereignty will come to Saratoga with eyes on reclaiming his top throne from Journalism. The Belmont will wrap up the most exciting stretch of five weeks in the horse racing community. With this year’s race being held in Saratoga instead of Belmont Park, there’s sure to be a lot of buzz around the June 7 race, and it will surely be the stage where Mott would want to see his horse and jockey Junior Alvarado triumph again.

Moreover, there is something that the jockey will need to prove as well. Alvarado was fined $62,000 following his Kentucky Derby win for using the crop more than the permitted limit on Sovereignty. With the Belmont coming up, the 39-year-old will surely try to show the world that his and the horse’s bond goes beyond what others see on the turf and that the duo is perfectly capable of winning races, all the while adhering to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s regulations.

However, though, it’s easier said than done.

Sovereignty’s race to the finishing line won’t go uncontested

The Belmont Stakes will not have a Triple Crown champion. However, we can hardly take anything away from the upcoming race, which is also the third-oldest top-tier horse racing event in North America. While Sovereignty with 8-5 odds is easily the favorite to win this year at Saratoga, its opponents aren’t leaving things to luck, either. Journalism has already reached the grounds and is making itself comfortable by making a ton of friends.

However, it’s still uncertain if jockey Umberto Rispoli will, in fact, return to the field with Journalim in hopes of bagging another Grade 1 victory, despite currently sitting on 9-5 odds. Moreover, the Kentucky Derby’s third-place finisher, Baeza, is also set to run at the Belmont. With 7-2 odds, the three-year-old colt could easily haul a massive upset win.

A 6-1 odds against Bob Baffert‘s horses aren’t exactly what we’re used to. And yet, thanks to skipping both the Derby and the Preakness, the iconic trainer’s horse, Rodriguez, doesn’t seem to evoke the same kind of confidence among the horse racing connoisseurs as Bob has in all the races he has competed in. So, which of these incredible horses would you put your money on? Tell us in a comment below!