Mott Reports Sovereignty "Looks Good" Following Oaklawn Handicap Runner-Up Effort
In my two decades covering this sport, I’ve learned that the morning after a big race often tells you more about a horse than the race itself. That’s why Bill Mott’s assessment of Sovereignty carries significant weight following yesterday’s $1.25 million Oaklawn Handicap.
The Hall of Fame conditioner reported that his reigning Horse of the Year came out of his runner-up finish in good order, an encouraging sign for the connections of the 4-year-old who was making his seasonal debut in Hot Springs
Sovereignty, who captured both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes last year, ran a game race in defeat, finishing two lengths behind the veteran campaigner White Abarrio in what was billed as a “Race for the Ages.” The son of Race Day turned back the clock at age 7, proving that experience still counts for something in this game.
Making his first start against older horses while carrying 123 pounds – two more than the winner – Sovereignty showed his class by setting honest fractions of :47.03 for the half-mile and 1:11.27 for six furlongs. That he held on for second after doing the heavy lifting speaks volumes about his fitness level for a horse making his first start of the campaign.
The final time of 1:47.49 was exceptional, marking the fastest Oaklawn Handicap since the great Cigar stopped the timer in 1:47.22 back in 1995. That Sovereignty was part of such a swift renewal in his seasonal bow bodes well for what’s ahead.
Journalism, last year’s Preakness winner who was also making his 4-year-old debut, finished third, another 1¼ lengths back. The fact that all three marquee horses ran to their reputations in front of an estimated crowd of 35,000 validates Oaklawn’s decision to boost the purse to $1.25 million.
For Mott and his team, having Sovereignty exit the race in good health is paramount. The campaign is long, and this was merely the opening salvo for a horse with championship aspirations. That he ran so well fresh suggests we’ll see an even sharper version as the year progresses.
