With a possible start in the $500,000 Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) at Saratoga Race Course July 26 looming, Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Sovereignty took to the Oklahoma Training Track at the perfect time July 12, dodging a storm as he recorded his penultimate workout.
Rain began falling just after 6 a.m. ET and continued at a steady pace over the next hour. However, it had lightened up by the time Sovereignty emerged around 7:30 a.m., with Neil Poznansky up, alongside his Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott's pony escort. The track had been freshly renovated by the maintenance crew, and the dual classic winner was the first to step foot on the surface.
"I'm glad we got it in," Mott said. "We were able to work on a pretty good racetrack. It had a little extra moisture in it, but it was still in good shape."
The threat of more storms lingered in the air as a roll of thunder drowned out Sovereignty's hoof beats, yet the professional son of Into Mischief didn't flick an ear as he went about his business and completed five furlongs in 1:02.18 inside of stablemate Jefferson Street.
"It worked out very well," Mott said. "Looked like a nice smooth work. Galloped out good, came back, cooled out well. He's got his head out looking for some carrots."
WATCH: Mott Pleased With Sovereignty's Work
Once Sovereignty returned to the barn, the skies opened and a downpour ensued. With thunder clapping and lightning dancing in the Saratoga skies, Mott grabbed a sponge and joined three of his workers in cleaning off the Godolphin homebred before the colt safely returned to the cover of the shedrow.
The storm raged on for a length of time, temporarily flooding several of the surrounding walkways, but Sovereignty's lone concern at that point was eating the carrots presented to him by his caretaker, Erma Scott, as he relaxed in his stall.
Although not completely confirming a start in the Jim Dandy—as the $1.25 million Travers Stakes (G1) Aug. 23 is the primary target—Mott said he plans to run the colt in the race should all go well following next week's lighter breeze.
"If he's doing well, we'll probably run," he said. "I think it makes some sense to have a run. If we didn't have the Jim Dandy, I suppose he could train into the (Travers). He's not that heavily raced this year where he couldn't stand another race. Hopefully we run in the Jim Dandy, it works out okay, and he's got enough gas in the tank for the Travers."
Whitney Winner Arthur's Ride Nears Return
Also on the work tab for Mott was his Whitney Stakes (G1) winner from a year ago, Arthur's Ride. The 5-year-old son of Tapit owned by Glassman Racing has not started since finishing 12th in the Nov. 2 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Del Mar.
He logged his ninth official breeze of the year Saturday morning with jockey Junior Alvarado aboard, traveling four furlongs in :50.38 in company with stablemate Celtic Charm, a 4-year-old turf filly who has yet to start for Mott after making two starts for trainer Brendan Walsh.
"He's just kind of an average-type work horse, it's hard to get a read on him," Mott said. "He seems to be doing well around the barn, and everything looks good on him. His works have been only workmanlike; they haven't been that kind that really wow you in the mornings. It's always been a little bit that way with him."
Mott did not give any specific races as current options, but said they were currently looking.
"We're shopping for a race for him," Mott said. "Maybe he just needs to get back, get to the race, get back on track, and get the rust off of him."
