Sovereignty made a bold statement regarding his Kentucky Derby claims as he stormed from last to first in the G2 Fountain Of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park, US.
The Bill Mott-trained colt had produced a similar display on his previous appearance in October’s G3 Street Sense Stakes at Churchill Downs, in which he quickened by the whole field to score by five lengths.
After breaking on terms with his five rivals in the extended-mile contest, Sovereignty raced between horses in fifth until Burnham Square relegated the Godolphin homebred to last after the first three furlongs.
Sovereignty had eight lengths to make up on the leading duo of Neoequos and River Thames leaving the back, although the son of Into Mischief started to make significant ground around runners approaching the final quarter-mile.
Third at the top of the straight, Sovereignty continued to bear down on the leaders for Junior Alvarado, grabbing second from Neoequos inside the final half-furlong and collaring River Thames in the shadow of the post for a neck success.
Bill Mott said: “It was a great effort from Sovereignty and Junior rode him well. We talked about it beforehand, and I told him that he was probably going to have to get Sovereignty started leaving the three-eighths pole if he was going to have any chance of getting up.
“He had a clear run on the outside, a little wide, and was pulling away at the wire. It looked like he wasn’t done at that point. It’s always a little nerve-wracking and very exciting. There are always some anxious moments, but it’s nice to have him coming back to the winner’s circle.”
Alvarado added: “I was trying to give Sovereignty a good race and make sure he finished well. At the three-pole, I found myself trying to save ground, but the inside isn’t the best place to be, so I decided to lose a little ground and put him upside horses.
“When I put him in the clear, it seemed like everything came back into his head and he turned it on. After that, I was hoping that we would get there in time and he did. He kept grinding his way there and he’s such a nice horse.
“When I saw him in the paddock, he looked like a man among kids. He’s very, very good and Mr Mott always brings horses along beautifully. We were just a little worried about the break that he has had, and sometimes you forget a little how to race. I think he was a little confused today about what was happening, but he outclassed the others.”
Meanwhile, the improving four-year-old Kinetic marked a major milestone in his career by securing his first Stakes victory, showcasing both his growing potential and resilience.
Despite showing signs of inexperience, Kinetic rose to the occasion and triumphed in the prestigious General MacArthur Stakes at Oaklawn Park, proving he has the talent to compete at the highest level.
Loved unleashed a late rally to finish a close third on her seasonal return in the G3 Bayakoa Stakes.
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