The 2025 Kentucky Derby is just around the corner, and one of the horses poised to make a significant impact is Sovereignty. This impressive contender, bred in the heart of Kentucky, has been steadily building a reputation on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. With a strong pedigree and a promising racing record, Sovereignty is a name to watch as the excitement for the “Run for the Roses” intensifies.
Pedigree and Ownership
Sovereignty boasts a distinguished lineage, being a bay colt sired by the renowned Into Mischief, a stallion known for producing top-tier racehorses. His dam is Crowned, by Bernardini. This breeding suggests a strong foundation for speed and stamina, crucial attributes for success in a grueling race like the Kentucky Derby. Sovereignty is a homebred, owned by Godolphin, a global racing powerhouse led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. While Godolphin has yet to clinch a Kentucky Derby victory, their best finish came in 2021 with Essential Quality, who placed third.
Trainer and Jockey
Guiding Sovereignty’s campaign is veteran trainer Bill Mott, a respected figure in the racing world. Mott has a Kentucky Derby win to his name, achieved in 2019 with Country House (who was awarded the victory after disqualification). This experience at the highest level of racing is invaluable. The jockey for Sovereignty is Junior Alvarado, who will be making his sixth appearance in the Derby. His best previous finish was fourth in 2016. The partnership between Mott and Alvarado brings a wealth of experience and determination to Sovereignty’s chances.
Performance and Race Record
Sovereignty has demonstrated consistent form leading up to the Derby. He has a record of 2 wins, 2 second-place finishes, and 0 third-place finishes in five career starts, accumulating $572,800 in career earnings. His journey on the Road to the Kentucky Derby has been notable, earning him 110 points, which places him sixth on the leaderboard.
Sovereignty broke his maiden at Churchill Downs in the Grade 3 Street Sense on October 27, winning impressively by 5 lengths. He then made a strong three-year-old debut, winning the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth on March 1 at Gulfstream Park. Most recently, he secured a second-place finish in the highly competitive Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 29 at Gulfstream Park, finishing 1 ¼ lengths behind Tappan Street. This consistent performance against strong competition highlights his potential for the Kentucky Derby.
Running Style and Notable Notes
Sovereignty is classified as a “closer,” meaning he typically makes his strongest effort in the latter stages of the race. This running style can be very effective in the wide-open expanse of Churchill Downs, especially if the pace is fast.
An interesting note about Sovereignty’s dam, Crowned, is that she was a $1.2 million yearling purchase but never raced. This indicates the high expectations placed on her progeny. Furthermore, Sovereignty is one of three sons of Into Mischief entered in the 2025 Kentucky Derby, alongside Tappan Street and Citizen Bull, underscoring the sire’s dominance in the current racing season.
Trainer Bill Mott has spoken about the strategic planning for Sovereignty’s races, noting a slight setback due to a fever that adjusted their initial race schedule. “We were thinking about one race earlier and he had a fever,” Mott commented. “We thought, ‘We’ll try to map it out so we can get at least two races in him before the Derby.’ We missed the first one, but we were able to make the Fountain of Youth and Florida Derby. We got two out of the three.” This adaptability and focused approach are key elements in preparing a horse for the ultimate test.
How and When to Watch
For racing enthusiasts eager to witness the 2025 Kentucky Derby, NBC Sports and Churchill Downs have a longstanding partnership, ensuring coverage through 2032. The event will be broadcast across NBC, Peacock, and USA Network. The post-position draw is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, with the post time for the 151st Kentucky Derby set for 6:57 p.m. on Saturday, May 3. You can also stream the race on Fubo and Peacock.
