Breeders’ Cup Classic favorite Sovereignty spikes fever, participation in doubt
Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott revealed Tuesday that Sovereignty, the 6-5 morning line favorite for Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar, has spiked a fever, putting his participation in serious jeopardy.
“He had a slightly elevated temperature and that remained through the night,” Mott told media assembled on the Del Mar backstretch during Tuesday morning’s training hours. “This morning at 5 a.m. and when we got here at 5:30 a.m., he still had a slight fever.”
The Godolphin homebred’s temperature reportedly reached as high as 103 degrees. Sovereignty has been administered medication, which has temporarily normalized his temperature.
“Since 6 a.m., we gave him some medication to help with the fever. His temperature is down to normal right now. He’s eating everything, he looks fine,” Mott added.
The son of Into Mischief, who captured the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, and Travers Stakes this year, completed a four-furlong breeze in :49.80 at Del Mar on Monday. He was limited to walking the shedrow Tuesday morning following the temperature spike.
Mott was unequivocal about the conditions under which the colt would be allowed to compete.
“If we don’t feel like he’s 100 percent, he’s not gonna run,” he stated. “If his temperature becomes elevated again, it’s over. If he respikes any sort of fever, I think we’re committed to saying that we’re just gonna bypass everything.”
"If his temperature becomes elevated again, it's over."
🚨 BREAKING NEWS: @BreedersCup Classic favorite SOVEREIGNTY spiked a fever. Bill Mott with details here. pic.twitter.com/wmxXDn8q8F
— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing)
"If his temperature becomes elevated again, it's over."
🚨 BREAKING NEWS: October 28, 2025
The news sent shockwaves through the Del Mar backstretch, which had been buzzing with activity during the morning training session. Prior to Mott’s announcement, several Classic contenders were spotted during workouts, including defending champion Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), who impressed onlookers with his characteristic massive stride.
Fellow Classic rivals Baeza (McKinzie) and Forever Young (Real Steel) were also on display during the morning session.
While the $7-million Classic has dominated pre-race headlines, the Dirt Mile has assembled one of the most competitive fields in recent memory. Morning-line favorite Nysos (Nyquist), listed at 8-5, galloped in close proximity to Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan (Goldencents).
The exceptional Dirt Mile field also features defending champion Full Serrano (Full Mast), 2023 juvenile champion Citizen Bull (Into Mischief), and last year’s Classic winner White Abarrio (Race Day).
Other notable contenders observed during the morning included two-time Turf winner Rebel’s Romance (Dubawi), Distaff favorite Seismic Beauty (Uncle Mo), and popular chestnut filly She Feels Pretty (Karakontie), one of the headliners for the Filly & Mare Turf.
The 42nd Breeders’ Cup World Championships will be contested this weekend at Del Mar, with the Classic scheduled as Saturday’s feature event.
