why didn't sovereignty run in the preakness

Sovereignty did not run in the 2025 Preakness Stakes because his trainer, Bill Mott, chose to skip the race to prioritize the horse's well-being and long- term interests. Sovereignty had just won the Kentucky Derby, but Mott assessed that the two-week turnaround between the Derby and the Preakness was too short for the horse after a demanding race and possible minor injury (a scrape above the hoof likely from clipping heels at the gate). Instead of racing in the Preakness, Sovereignty was aimed at the Belmont Stakes, allowing more recovery time. This decision reflects a cautious approach due to modern thoroughbreds being less robust and the increasing trend of giving top horses longer breaks between races. The choice also meant there would be no Triple Crown attempt by Sovereignty in 2025, continuing a streak of several years without a Triple Crown winner. This move has sparked debate about the scheduling and structure of the Triple Crown races, as the two-week gap between the Derby and Preakness is now considered by many to be outdated and too demanding for horses today.