After the announcement Tuesday that the connections of Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty have opted to skip the Preakness Stakes on May 17, spoiling any slim chance of a Triple Crown sweep this year, hard questions are being asked about U.S. racing’s centerpiece series.

Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty won't run in the Preakness Stakes. That means there won't be a Triple Crown winner for a seventh consecutive year.

Mott is a Preakness victory away from taking the career Triple Crown, but the 71-year-old trainer won't have a chance to win it with Sovereignty, opting instead to hold the colt out until the Belmont Stakes.