​  Reigning Horse of the Year Sovereignty arrived at Churchill Downs on Wednesday as preparations intensified for Saturday’s $2 million Grade 1 Stephen Foster Stakes.The Bill Mott-trained star returned to the scene of his greatest triumphs ahead of what promises to be one of the strongest editions of the prestigious race in recent years.Sovereignty, who captured the 2025 Kentucky Derby beneath the Twin Spires before adding the Belmont Stakes and Travers Stakes later in the season, has had a spin on the Churchill track on Wednesday morning as he completes his final preparations for Saturday’s feature.With Sovereignty looking to win a share of the super-charged $2m Stephen Foster Stakes purse.Plus secure a slot at the Breeders’ Cup, with the race a “Win and You’re In” for the Breeders’ Cup Classic.The Godolphin-owned four-year-old will be making his second start of 2026 after finishing runner-up to White Abarrio in the Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap in April, his first outing since being crowned Horse of the Year.That defeat did little to diminish his reputation, with many believing the son of Into Mischief was slightly compromised by racing closer to the pace than usual. Saturday’s Stephen Foster could allow him to return to his preferred stalking style.Churchill Downs has always brought out the best in Sovereignty. He remains unbeaten in two starts beneath the Twin Spires, having won the Street Sense Stakes as a juvenile before his memorable Kentucky Derby success the following spring.Victory on Saturday would not only add another Grade 1 to his growing résumé, but also secure an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic later this year.Sovereignty will be ridden by Junior Alvarado as trainer Bill Mott also looks for a third Stephen Foster win – having won the prize with Ron The Greek (2012) and Olympiad (2022).Mott is also the equal winning-most trainer since the race was first run in 1982 – meaning one more win and he’ll be top outright.Although Sovereignty heads the market, he faces a formidable group of rivals.Despite only a handful of Stephen Foster runners – quality over quantity.White Abarrio could prove the biggest threat after defeating Sovereignty by two lengths in the Oaklawn Handicap earlier this season.The Saffie Joseph Jr.-trained seven-year-old arrives at Churchill Downs in outstanding form and is seeking another major Grade 1 victory to add to his already glittering record, which includes the Breeders’ Cup Classic and Pegasus World Cup.Joseph has described White Abarrio as “a man in his prime” as the veteran continues to perform at the highest level. The experienced Irad Ortiz Jr. again takes the mount as the pair bid to repeat their Oaklawn success.Magnitude adds further intrigue to the contest. The Steve Asmussen-trained colt arrives after his brea      ​Read More