Bill Mott knew Sovereignty was his best shot in his career at crossing the finish line first in the Kentucky Derby. As you may recall, he won with Country House by default when Maximum Security was disqualified in 2019. That was also a sloppy track and a day very similar weather-wise to yesterday. His horse was a distant second, so the win by disqualification never seemed very satisfying. But yesterday, he got the full experience. Sovereignty powered by the favorite, Journalism, in a move that left even veteran horse players in a state of awe. Wow. Just wow. 

 

When Sovereignty won the Fountain of Youth in Florida earlier this year, he got the necessary points to qualify for the Kentucky Derby. So, when he ran in the Florida Derby, he only needed to hit the board to maintain his points position. Mott knew he didn’t need the win…and Lord knows Godolphin did not need the money…so Mott brilliantly gave Sovereignty just enough race to have him fit for the Kentucky Derby and still have something left in the tank to obtain the coveted prize. He did just that. Finished a respectable second to Tappan Street. Picked up some points. Got enough but not too much out of the race physically…and headed to Kentucky! 

 

At the Roedemeier Ranch,  we were surprised at the lack of respect he was shown on the tote board. Yes, Journalism checked ALL the boxes. But he had to go all out to win the Santa Anita Derby in his last prep races as he got boxed in down on the rail and  needed an extra gear to clear and swing wide for the victory. Journalism went off at 3-1 and Sovereignty finally dropped to 7-1 at post-time. What a gift. 

 

The suicidal fractions in the first six furlongs of the Kentucky Derby left both yours truly and the front runners gasping for air. Owen Almighty put in a valiant effort to hang on for 5th place. But the other front-runners staggered home like the five mint-julep houseguest I had a few years ago at Derby time.

 

Who will go to the Preakness from this group? Baeza, who drew in off the also eligible list with the last-minute Repole/ Pletcher Grande scratch, and who finished a very respectable third, will not. He is pointed toward the Belmont. Good call. 

 

A decision on Sovereignty will not be made for a few days. Mott says they will let the horse tell them. He came back in good order – except for a minor laceration on his leg – and ate up all his feed in 20 minutes. That’s always a good sign. We shall see.

 

Trainer Michael McCarthy said they are keeping all options open with Journalism. He also came back in good order. 

 

Wagering on the Kentucky Derby this year was like taking candy from a baby. No big balloon payoffs, but the best horses undoubtedly finished on top. I like that. 

 

In a twenty-horse field it is rare for three of the best horses in the field to get a decent trip. And trip REALLY matters when you have that many horses bumping and grinding…especially in the mud. Final Gambit finished a brave and respectable fourth despite a troubled trip. But there was a lot of daylight between him and the top three finishers. 

 

One of my closest friends is, undoubtedly, Bill Mott’s biggest fan. He told me yesterday that Sovereignty’s win will absolutely bring a smile to his face on his deathbed. He was not kidding. I love this for him, for Bill Mott, and for that big, powerful colt who is going to be a force to reckon with for the summer and this fall at Breeders’ Cup if he stays sound.