Sovereignty points his cannons toward the Oaklawn Handicap at Oaklawn Park

The champion continues working and already seems to have a defined objective for the future, potentially returning to the ring this coming April 18

Sovereignty would return to action next month / ADAM COGLIANSE / NYRA

HOT SPRINGS, Arkansas (Special for Turf Diario).— The return to the track for Sovereignty, the reigning Horse of the Year in the United States, is beginning to take shape. The Bill Mott trainee could reappear on April 18 in the Oaklawn Handicap (G2-1,800m, dirt), a race with a US$ 1,250,000 purse that would serve as the platform to launch his 4-year-old campaign.

Bred and owned by Godolphin, the son of Into Mischief has been working for several weeks at the Payson Park Training Center in South Florida, where he has been completing a series of progressive drills following a period of rest and light training in Kentucky.

His last recorded move was a half-mile in 49s 4/5 on March 1, part of a gradual plan designed by Mott to bring the star back to competition after several months away from the races.

“He has adapted very well and is starting to look really good. He is moving fluidly,” the trainer explained regarding the horse's condition. “His works have been good. For now, they are normal exercises without asking too much of him, but when the time comes to push him, he always responds.”

The immediate objective seems clear: the Oaklawn Handicap, a traditional fixture on the American calendar run over 1 1/8 miles at Oaklawn Park. According to Mott, the date fits perfectly into the champion's preparation process.

“We are looking at that race. It gives us enough time to arrive well-prepared if everything continues as it has so far,” the trainer noted.

Sovereignty has not competed since his spectacular victory in the Travers Stakes last summer at Saratoga Race Course, a triumph that solidified a brilliant campaign that earned him the title of Champion 3-Year-Old and, subsequently, the top honor of Horse of the Year at the Eclipse Awards.

During that season, he also secured victories in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) and the Jim Dandy Stakes (G2), while his only defeat came when finishing second in the Florida Derby (G1). Previously, he had already showcased his talent by winning the Street Sense Stakes (G3) at two years old.

In total, the bay horse holds a record of 6 wins and 2 seconds in 9 starts, with earnings amounting to US$ 5,835,300.

Curiously, the potential April target could feature a particularly attractive field this year. Uncertainty generated by the conflict in the Middle East has cast doubt on the travel plans of some American horses for the Dubai World Cup, which could result in a larger group of contenders for the Oaklawn Handicap.

Furthermore, the race brings back good memories for Godolphin: last year, it was won by their horse First Mission, trained by Brad Cox.

Now, all eyes are on Sovereignty, a champion who is beginning to gear up and who, if everything follows the planned schedule, could return to the stage in just over a month.