Sovereignty surged past Knightsbridge in the stretch and held off The Puma to win the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic by 1 3/4 lengths on Saturday, one year after missing the marquee race because of a fever.
Ridden by Junior Alvarado, Sovereignty was in the hunt at the final turn and overtook his stablemate on the outside of four horses. He then withstood charges from defending Classic winner Forever Young and The Puma before going on to his second consecutive victory.
Last year’s Kentucky Derby, Belmont and Travers Stakes winner covered 1 1/4 mile in 2 minutes, 0.36 seconds at Keeneland, giving Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott his third Classic victory and first since 2011.
Next were Japan-bred T O Password and Forever Young, the 8-5 favorite who sought a second consecutive Classic victory. He faded after running among the leaders. Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Golden Tempo was never a factor, running last for much of the race and finishing sixth.
