Overview
- Trainer Bill Mott confirmed Wednesday that the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes and Travers winner was withdrawn after a recurrent fever that first appeared Monday.
- Blood tests were taken and an initial anti‑inflammatory lowered his temperature, but a Tuesday re‑spike prompted antibiotics and an immediate scratch under Mott’s welfare‑first approach.
- Sovereignty had been the 6-5 morning‑line favorite from post 6; with him out, bookmakers now make Fierceness the choice, followed by Sierra Leone and Forever Young.
- The withdrawal reduces the Classic lineup and moves several outside runners one stall inward for the 1¼‑mile championship at Del Mar.
- Mott said the Godolphin homebred will ship to Kentucky for further evaluation, with ownership to determine whether he returns to training or is retired for 2026.