Sovereignty’s Class Proves Vital as Bill Mott Lands His First Travers
- Turf Diario
- Aug 27
- 3 min read
The Hall of Fame Trainer Had Never Captured Saratoga’s Summer Classic, But the Star Delivered the Long-Sought Prize
It took decades of success, memorable victories and generations of champions before Bill Mott, one of the most respected horsemen in the U.S. and worldwide, finally tasted Travers glory. On Saturday at Saratoga, the Hall of Famer was gifted the moment he had long dreamed of when Sovereignty produced a performance for the ages, crushing his rivals by 10 lengths to firmly establish himself as the undisputed leader of the 3-year-old division.
The Godolphin homebred, produced in Kentucky by Darley, collected his third Grade I win of the season, adding to his Kentucky Derby (G1) triumph in May, his Belmont Stakes (G1) success in June, and his prep in the Jim Dandy S. (G2) last month. With the Travers, he became the first horse since Thunder Gulch (Gulch) in 1995 to complete the Derby–Belmont–Travers treble, a stat that puts him squarely among the modern greats.
For Mott, however, the victory carried an even deeper resonance. The trainer has been tied to Sovereignty’s female family for more than two decades, beginning with Sluice (Seeking the Gold), the colt’s third dam, whom he trained in 2000, followed by Mushka (Empire Maker), his second dam and winner of the Spinster S. (G1) under his care. For Mott, Sovereignty represents the culmination of a lineage nurtured with patience and persistence.
“It brings back a lot of memories,” said Mott, visibly moved after the race. “We bought Sluice, then Mushka, and I was fortunate to train her for two different owners. Now to win the Travers with Sovereignty, who comes from that line, it’s incredible. It feels like closing the circle.”
The race itself was a showcase of the synergy between horse and rider. Junior Alvarado, the Venezuelan who has been Sovereignty’s exclusive partner, settled him patiently in fifth while Magnitude (Not This Time) and Bracket Buster (Vekoma) set demanding fractions. Sweeping wide into the far turn, Sovereignty advanced powerfully, drew level with Bracket Buster, seemed to toy with him for a stride, and then left him behind in just two jumps.
“When I give him a little rein, he does this amazing thing,” Alvarado explained the following morning. “He gets to the last horse he has to pass, sits with him for a second, looks him in the eye, and then just goes. It’s like he’s saying: ‘See who’s the boss here!’ He’s a joy to ride. He’s so good… and he knows it.”
Sovereignty stopped the clock in 2:00.84 for 10 furlongs, earning a Beyer Speed Figure of 115, the highest posted in the U.S. this year. It was yet another confirmation that Godolphin’s star doesn’t just win—he dominates.
For Alvarado, 39, the Travers was also a personal milestone, marking his first win in the Midsummer Derby. “We’re on cloud nine,” the rider said. “It’s been an amazing year. I’m winning the biggest races, and my confidence is sky high. As long as I keep getting the opportunities, I feel like I can win anything.”
Looking ahead, Mott confirmed Sovereignty will train up to the GI Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar on Nov. 1. The colt will remain at Saratoga, prepping on the Oklahoma training track.
“I always think fresh horses run better,” Mott noted. “There’s no need to rush him. He comes back well, so I’m not concerned. We’ll train here and then head to the Breeders’ Cup.”
Saturday proved memorable beyond Sovereignty, too, as Mott trainees Scylla (Tapit) and Scotland (Good Magic) both finished runner-up in the Ballerina (G1) and Forego (G1), respectively.
“Winning a Grade I and finishing second in two others… yes, it was a very good day,” Mott said with a smile. For the Hall of Famer, it was the clearest reflection of a day he will never forget.
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