The Classic Shaken by Sovereignty’s Withdrawal, but the Dream Lives On
- Turf Diario
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The contenders for the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) completed their morning routines at Del Mar on Wednesday, in a session overshadowed by the withdrawal of the race’s leading favorite
By Diego H. Mitagstein, special correspondent for Turf Diario in Del Mar, California
DEL MAR, California—Dawn broke over Del Mar on Wednesday with news that sent a jolt through the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1): Sovereignty (Into Mischief), the powerful Godolphin favorite, was officially withdrawn after spiking a fever upon arrival in California. The decision—unavoidable for the colt’s well-being—left a void in Saturday’s lineup and changed the tone across the backstretch.
“It’s a shame, especially for the fans and his team,” said Todd Pletcher, who now commands the spotlight in the Classic with Fierceness (City of Lights), Mindframe (Constitution), and Antiquarian (Preservationist). “As a trainer, you try to control every detail, plan everything down to the minute, and still—things like this can happen.”
On the other side of the shedrow, Michael McCarthy, trainer of Journalism (Curlin), echoed the sentiment.
“It’s never good when a horse has to come out, especially for a race of this magnitude. What everyone wants is for them to make it to the gate healthy and let the race decide the outcome.”
Sovereignty’s withdrawal reshaped the field of nine confirmed starters, led by Japan’s Forever Young (Real Steel), who arrives seeking redemption.
“We are here to win the Classic,” declared trainer Yoshito Yahagi after the colt breezed 800 meters in 51 seconds. “It’s our chance at revenge against last year’s winner and runner-up.”His rider, Ryusei Sakai, agreed: “He moved beautifully through the final turn—it’s probably our last chance to beat both of them.”
The atmosphere at Del Mar’s morning trackwork remains tense and focused. Baeza (McKinzie), the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) winner who had finished second to Sovereignty in all three of their previous meetings, looked sharp under the watchful eye of John Shirreffs.
“It’s a pity he came out—I was looking forward to facing him again,” the trainer admitted. “Baeza has really matured; he’s such an intelligent, composed horse, especially over this track.”
Chilean jockey Héctor Berríos will again take the reins, hoping for another breakout performance aboard the colt who carries a remarkable family legacy as a half-brother to Mage (Good Magic), winner of the 2023 Kentucky Derby, and Dornoch (Good Magic), hero of the 2024 Belmont Stakes.
Meanwhile, Pletcher’s powerful trio continued their smooth preparation. Fierceness, with John Velázquez, and Mindframe, under Irad Ortiz Jr., went through gallops and gate schooling, while Antiquarian, ridden by Luis Sáez, followed suit.
“Antiquarian is really coming into his own—physically and mentally,” said Don Little Jr., president of Centennial Farms. “It’s exciting to see him peak at exactly the right time.”
Chad Brown expressed quiet satisfaction with his duo of Contrary Thinking (Into Mischief) and Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), both of whom completed their gallops in fine order.
“Everything went smoothly—they both look fantastic,” Brown summarized.
Among them all, Bob Baffert, represented by Nevada Beach (Omaha Beach), perhaps best captured the collective mood:
“These things happen. Everyone in this game knows nothing is certain until the saddle’s on. We live with nerves on edge, because a thousand things can go wrong.”
Three days out from the Classic, anticipation continues to build around Del Mar’s seaside oval. With Sovereigntygone, the race feels wide open—but the dream, that eternal heartbeat of horse racing, remains very much alive.
