Overview

• Trainer Bill Mott confirmed Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty will bypass the Preakness Stakes, citing the short two-week recovery window as a concern for the horse’s welfare.
• Journalism, runner-up in the Kentucky Derby, has been confirmed to race and is the 8-5 favorite in the finalized nine-horse Preakness field.
• Two other Kentucky Derby participants, Sandman and American Promise, will also compete in the Preakness, alongside notable entries like Clever Again, a son of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah.
• The 150th Preakness Stakes on May 17 will mark the final running at Pimlico Race Course before it closes for a two-year renovation, with future editions temporarily relocating to Laurel Park.
• The decision by Sovereignty’s connections reflects a growing trend in modern horse racing toward longer intervals between major races to prioritize equine health and career longevity.