### Breeders' Cup Classic Faces Major Shake-Up as Sovereignty Withdrawn The Breeders' Cup Classic, a marquee event in thoroughbred racing, was set to feature a highly anticipated showdown among top contenders. However, the race has been significantly impacted by the withdrawal of Sovereignty, the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner, who was the morning-line favorite at 6-5. Sovereignty's trainer, Bill Mott, announced on Wednesday that the horse would be scratched from the race due to a fever, raising concerns about his health and future racing prospects. Despite this setback, the Classic remains a competitive event with other strong contenders, including last year's winner, Sierra Leone, and runner-up Fierceness, who may now take the lead as the favorite [https://www.yardbarker.com/horse_racing/articles/even_without_sovereignty_the_breeders_cup_classic_stacked_with_star_power/s1_17692_42987227][https://apnews.com/article/sovereignty-scratched-breeders-cup-081ea5bf746858e8d04c93d4362ec429]. ### Key Developments Surrounding Sovereignty's Withdrawal 1. **Sovereignty's Health Issues**: Sovereignty was scratched from the Breeders' Cup Classic after developing a fever, a decision made by trainer Bill Mott to prioritize the horse's health [https://www.indianagazette.com/sports/kentucky-derby-winner-sovereignty-scratched-from-the-breeders-cup-classic-because-of-a-fever/article_50af365b-caeb-5606-8960-68a1ad8773c5.html]. 2. **Impact on Race Dynamics**: With Sovereignty out, Fierceness, who finished second in last year's Classic and the Whitney Stakes, is now positioned as a potential favorite, especially after his recent strong performance [https://www.yardbarker.com/horse_racing/articles/even_without_sovereignty_the_breeders_cup_classic_stacked_with_star_power/s1_17692_42987227]. 3. **Field of Competitors**: The Classic will still feature a talented field, including Sierra Leone, the defending champion, and other notable horses, ensuring a competitive race despite the absence of the top contender [https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/breeders-cup-sovereignty-kentucky-derby-36151996]. ### Evidence of Sovereignty's Status and Race Implications - **Morning-Line Favorite**: Sovereignty was initially the 6-5 favorite, indicating strong public and expert support for his chances in the race [https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2025-10-29/kentucky-derby-belmont-winner-sovereignty-scratched-from-breeders-cup-classic?sfmc_id=6529c8223ed79c24f883a660&skey_id=a7a712d8b764a01057570b86e9a32303100b397db85e72c10aea78fdce3e0f62]. - **Trainer's Caution**: Mott's decision to scratch Sovereignty reflects a cautious approach, as he had previously opted to skip the Preakness Stakes to protect the horse's health [https://www.indianagazette.com/sports/kentucky-derby-winner-sovereignty-scratched-from-the-breeders-cup-classic-because-of-a-fever/article_50af365b-caeb-5606-8960-68a1ad8773c5.html]. - **Remaining Contenders**: The race will still showcase other strong competitors, with Fierceness now likely to take the lead in betting odds, following his impressive recent performances [https://www.yardbarker.com/horse_racing/articles/even_without_sovereignty_the_breeders_cup_classic_stacked_with_star_power/s1_17692_42987227]. ### Conclusion: A Competitive Breeders' Cup Classic Ahead In summary, the Breeders' Cup Classic will proceed without its top contender, Sovereignty, who has been withdrawn due to health concerns. This development reshapes the race dynamics, elevating Fierceness as a leading contender alongside last year's champion, Sierra Leone. The event remains highly anticipated, showcasing a competitive field that promises excitement for racing fans. 1. **Sovereignty's Withdrawal**: The favorite is out due to a fever, raising health concerns [https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2025-10-29/kentucky-derby-belmont-winner-sovereignty-scratched-from-breeders-cup-classic?sfmc_id=6529c8223ed79c24f883a660&skey_id=a7a712d8b764a01057570b86e9a32303100b397db85e72c10aea78fdce3e0f62]. 2. **Fierceness as New Favorite**: With Sovereignty's absence, Fierceness is now positioned as a strong contender [https://www.yardbarker.com/horse_racing/articles/even_without_sovereignty_the_breeders_cup_classic_stacked_with_star_power/s1_17692_42987227]. 3. **Competitive Field**: The Classic will still feature a talented lineup, ensuring an exciting race [https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/breeders-cup-sovereignty-kentucky-derby-36151996].