Sovereignty lived up to his name with a thunderous late rally at Churchill Downs, winning the 151st Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2025. Guided by jockey Junior Alvarado, the colt surged past the favorites down the stretch to claim the $3.1 million first prize. But just days after the race, fans were hit with a twist—there will be no Triple Crown chase this year.

Trainer Bill Mott confirmed that the Derby winner will not run in the Preakness Stakes on May 17. The decision ends hopes of a sweep, but Mott cited long-term planning. “We’re looking at a career,” he said. “You want the career to last more than five weeks.”

Why skip the Preakness? The strategy behind the call

While skipping the Preakness might disappoint fans, it’s a move rooted in caution. Sovereignty has already raced in three high-stakes events since March, including the Florida Derby and Fountain of Youth. Mott and the Godolphin team believe rest now could extend the horse’s peak form later.

Preakness officials were informed directly by Mott, who said the horse would instead be pointed toward the Belmont Stakes. The second leg of the Triple Crown, held just two weeks after the Derby, has increasingly been skipped by top contenders. He becomes the fourth amongst the last seven Derby winners to opt out.

Sovereignty has already arrived at Saratoga, where he’s being prepared for the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes scheduled for June 7. The Belmont, relocated from Belmont Park due to renovations, will offer a different kind of test: a longer 1.5-mile race that suits stamina-heavy runners.

Mott remained noncommittal immediately after the Derby but has now shifted focus to Saratoga’s crown jewel. Godolphin, the global racing powerhouse behind the 2025 Derby winner, supports the plan. “It’s a long season,” said Michael Banahan of Godolphin. “And he’s had three hard races.”

Sovereignty’s pedigree screams classic potential. Bred by Godolphin, the son of Into Mischief hails from a line of race royalty that includes Preakness winner Nellie Morse and Derby champ Bold Forbes. Into Mischief now boasts three Derby-winning offspring, joining a legendary club of elite sires.

His dam, Crowned, was a $1.2 million yearling purchase from Brushwood Stable. Though unraced, Crowned descends from a family stacked with Oaks winners and high-priced stakes stars. His eighth dam, Nellie L., and sixth dam, Priceless Fame, both impacted the sport’s breeding landscape.

Sovereignty – the $3.5 Million Colt with a career in focus

With over $3.5 million in earnings already, Sovereignty’s star is only rising. His thrilling Derby win over favorite Journalism added to his value not just on the track but eventually in the breeding shed. He paid $17.96 to win and helped trigger a $1 superfecta payout of $1,682.27.

Jockey Junior Alvarado, celebrating his first Derby win in six tries, described the colt’s explosive move. “I got him in the clear and he showed his stuff,” Alvarado said. “I knew what he was capable of.” Mott, meanwhile, called the win “the right way,” a contrast to his 2019 Derby victory via disqualification with Country House.

Without a Preakness appearance, Sovereignty won’t join American Pharoah or Justify in Triple Crown lore. But Belmont will be his stage to reinforce greatness. His connections are playing the long game—and in doing so, may set the colt up for a richer, longer career.

Mott, Godolphin, and fans now look ahead to Saratoga. And whether or not Sovereignty adds another jewel to his resume, he’s already secured his place as the horse racing story of 2025.