Sovereignty Scratched From Breeders' Cup Classic

Kentucky Derby and Belmont winner Sovereignty was scratched from Saturday’s $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar after developing a fever this week, trainer Bill Mott confirmed. The Godolphin-owned 3-year-old — a four-time winner this year, including the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, Jim Dandy and Travers — was withdrawn after re-spiking a temperature and being treated with antibiotics. Connections framed the decision as a cautious, horse-first move (they previously skipped the Preakness), and said the colt’s return as a 4-year-old remains uncertain. Sovereignty’s scratch removed the 6-5 morning-line favorite and reshaped the Classic market, with Todd Pletcher-trained Fierceness moving up as the new favorite in a still-deep field that includes Sierra Leone, Baeza and Journalism. The announcement drew widespread sympathy from the racing community, including public condolences from owner Mike Repole.