DEL MAR, Calif. —

Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Sovereignty will miss out on the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Related video above: Statue of Sovereignty now on display at Kentucky Derby Museum Winner's Circle

The horse was scratched after catching a fever this week, taking the favorite out of Saturday's $7 million world championship race in Del Mar, California.

Trainer Bill Mott announced the decision Wednesday to scratch the country’s top 3-year-old horse. Mott had previously said Sovereignty not racing was a possibility.

Sovereignty opened as a heavy 6-5 morning line favorite in the field of 10, which also includes Derby and Belmont runner up and Preakness winner Journalism.

The Breeders' Cup Classic was expected to determine the horse of the year.

Mott and ownership have ma

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