Sovereignty Returns to Worktab, Eyes Spring Return

Reigning Horse of the Year Sovereignty  appeared on the worktab Feb. 15 for the first time since scratching from the Nov. 1 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Del Mar.

Working at Payson Park Training Center in Indiantown, Fla., the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1) winner breezed 3 furlongs in :37 2/5.

BloodHorse's request for comment from Mott was not returned prior to this story's deadline, but the Hall of Famer told Daily Racing Form, "He was kind of bucking a little bit yesterday, he's usually pretty quiet going up to the track. It looked like he was going good, so I said let's get started here."

Last raced with a dominant 10-length score in the Travers Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course at the end of August, Mott told DRF that Godolphin's homebred son of Into Mischief   could be ready to enter a starting gate in April. Mentioned as possibilities were the $1.25 million Oaklawn Handicap (G2) at Oaklawn Park April 18 or the Alysheba Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs, which is typically held on Kentucky Oaks (G1) day.

Ultimately, the goal would be to work backward from the Oct. 31 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), held this year at Keeneland.

"I hear the Jockey Club Gold Cup will be moved to opening day of the Belmont meet, putting it about five or six weeks before the Breeders' Cup, so the timing of that would be very good," Mott told DRF.

Godolphin's Good Cheer  also returned to the worktab Sunday at Payson Park for trainer Brad Cox. The 2025 Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner breezed three furlongs in :37 2/5.