### Major Setback for Breeders' Cup: Last Two Kentucky Derby Winners Withdrawn The Breeders' Cup, a premier event in horse racing, faces a significant blow as both of the last two Kentucky Derby winners have been scratched from the upcoming Classic race. Sovereignty, the 2025 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner, was initially the favorite for the $7 million race but has been sidelined due to a fever. This unexpected turn of events has left fans and analysts questioning the dynamics of the race, which was anticipated to be a historic showdown featuring top competitors. ### Breakdown of the Situation 1. **Sovereignty's Withdrawal**: - Sovereignty was scratched from the Breeders' Cup Classic after developing a fever, as confirmed by trainer Bill Mott [https://apnews.com/article/sovereignty-scratched-breeders-cup-081ea5bf746858e8d04c93d4362ec429]. - He was the 6-5 morning-line favorite and a key contender for the title [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. **Impact on the Race**: - The absence of Sovereignty alters the competitive landscape, potentially elevating Fierceness, last year's runner-up, to the favorite position [https://www.yardbarker.com/horse_racing/articles/even_without_sovereignty_the_breeders_cup_classic_stacked_with_star_power/s1_17692_42987227]. - Despite the loss of star power, the Classic still features a strong field, including Sierra Leone, the previous year's winner [https://www.yardbarker.com/horse_racing/articles/even_without_sovereignty_the_breeders_cup_classic_stacked_with_star_power/s1_17692_42987227]. 3. **Historical Context**: - Sovereignty's scratching follows a cautious approach by his team, which previously opted to skip the Preakness Stakes after his Derby win, indicating a focus on his long-term health and performance [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]. ### Evidence and Data Supporting the Claims - **Sovereignty's Status**: - Sovereignty was confirmed as the favorite for the Breeders' Cup Classic but was withdrawn due to health concerns [https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/others/kentucky-derby-winner-sovereignty-scratched-from-the-breeders-cup-classic-because-of-a-fever-101761754523386.html]. - **Field Dynamics**: - The Classic will still feature notable competitors, including Sierra Leone and Fierceness, who are expected to vie for the top position in Sovereignty's absence [https://www.yardbarker.com/horse_racing/articles/even_without_sovereignty_the_breeders_cup_classic_stacked_with_star_power/s1_17692_42987227]. ### Conclusion: A Race Altered by Health Concerns In summary, the Breeders' Cup Classic will proceed without its top contender, Sovereignty, who has been scratched due to a fever. This development not only impacts the betting landscape but also raises questions about the future of the horse's racing career. 1. **Sovereignty's withdrawal is a significant loss for the Breeders' Cup Classic**. 2. **Fierceness and Sierra Leone are now positioned as key competitors**. 3. **The decision reflects a cautious approach by Sovereignty's team regarding his health**. The race will still showcase a talented field, but the absence of the last two Kentucky Derby winners marks a notable shift in expectations for this year's event [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].