The Triple Crown spirit is alive every spring, but this year, many fans are asking: why isn't Sovereignty running in the Preakness? After an impressive Kentucky Derby win, expectations were high for Sovereignty to compete for the second jewel. Yet, his absence at Pimlico Race Course has become the story of the 2025 Preakness Stakes. Let’s explore the reasons behind this decision and what it means for the world of horse racing.

Why Isn't Sovereignty Running in the Preakness?

The main reason why Sovereignty isn't running in the Preakness is a strategic decision from his trainer, Bill Mott. Just days after securing a thrilling victory at Churchill Downs, Mott announced that Sovereignty would skip the Preakness Stakes, aiming instead for the upcoming Belmont Stakes. This move isn’t unprecedented; it’s grounded in both modern training philosophies and the tough recovery time between the Derby and Preakness.

According to NBC News’ comprehensive coverage, Sovereignty’s connections informed race organizers of their plan to rest the colt. The priority, they say, is the horse's long-term health and giving him ample recovery time before taking on another top-tier challenge.

What Did the Team Say?

Mike Rogers, executive vice president of 1/ST Racing, confirmed, "We received a call today from trainer Bill Mott that Sovereignty will not be competing in the Preakness. Bill informed us they would point toward the Belmont Stakes. We extend our congratulations to the connections of Sovereignty and respect their decision."

Short turnarounds between Triple Crown races have often caused top contenders to skip the Preakness, especially if the Derby took a lot out of their horse, or if there are strategic reasons to wait. The rest and recovery period, especially after a grueling Derby, ensures that elite horses like Sovereignty can peak for the Belmont.

The Bigger Impact on the 2025 Preakness Stakes

With Sovereignty out of the lineup, the 2025 Preakness Stakes has an open field and fresh intrigue. Journalism, who finished second in the Derby, emerges as the favorite this Saturday. Newcomers such as Goal Oriented and Sandman now have a chance to claim victory in Baltimore. For horse racing fans, the absence of the Derby winner changes the dynamics of the race dramatically. CBS News breaks down the full Preakness field and how the absence impacts the odds and the Triple Crown chase.

This year will be the seventh straight Triple Crown season where the Kentucky Derby winner does not race for the full sweep, following a trend that has become more frequent in recent decades. If you want to see how the remaining contenders stack up and where you can catch the action, CBS Sports has the post times, odds, and streaming info.

A Common Trend in Modern Racing

To answer the question, why isn't Sovereignty running in the Preakness?—it’s about prioritizing the horse’s well-being and long-term goals. Skipping the Preakness may disappoint fans hoping for a Triple Crown run, but it’s a decision rooted in expert care. More trainers are choosing tailored training plans, especially for horses with Triple Crown potential.

Historically, this strategy has produced some spectacular Belmont performances. Sovereignty has already touched greatness with his Derby win, and his team’s approach could set him up for a strong Belmont campaign. Meanwhile, fans will turn their eyes to Pimlico to see who claims the Black-Eyed Susans this year.

Looking Ahead: The Belmont Awaits

Horse racing remains unpredictable. While fans understand why Sovereignty isn't running in the Preakness, the excitement now shifts to what this champion can achieve at Belmont Park. If you're following the 2025 Triple Crown, keep an eye out for more updates as the season unfolds.

Summary:
The absence of Sovereignty from the 2025 Preakness Stakes is a strategic move that reflects both care for the horse and modern approaches to training elite athletes. While fans might miss the hope of a Triple Crown, they’ll have a chance to see a fresh field compete and then look forward to Sovereignty’s return at the Belmont.