Led by Sovereignty, Oaklawn Handicap Emerges as Race of the Year Candidate
- Turf Diario
- 2h
- 3 min read
The champion returns this Saturday at Oaklawn Park, set to renew his rivalry with Journalism, while White Abarriocompletes what shapes up as a dream lineup of elite performers
After months of anticipation, Sovereignty makes his long-awaited return to action this Saturday at Oaklawn Park, set to launch his 4-year-old campaign in the $1.25-million Oaklawn Handicap (G2) over 1 1/8 miles—a race shaping up as one of the most compelling matchups of the U.S. season.
Installed as the clear 4-5 morning-line favorite, the Godolphin homebred has not been seen since his breathtaking 10-length demolition in the Travers Stakes (G1) at Saratoga, a performance that capped a 2025 campaign which earned him Horse of the Year honors. Earlier in the season, he stamped his authority over the Triple Crown series, capturing both the Kentucky Derby (G1) and the Belmont Stakes (G1)—skipping the Preakness Stakes (G1)—to finish the year with five wins from six starts in a near-flawless campaign.
Trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, Sovereignty faces a pair of significant challenges. Not only will this mark his seasonal debut at four, but it will also be his first start against older horses—a test that has historically demanded an extra level, even from champions. Oaklawn has played host to memorable comebacks of this nature, and the latest chapter promises to be no different.
Mott, in fact, knows this race well, having won it with Cigar (Palace Music) in 1995 and Geri (Theatrical) in 1996. Godolphin also arrives with strong recent credentials, following victories by Proxy (Tapit) in 2023 and First Mission(Street Sense) in 2025. The statistics are encouraging—but the racetrack will ultimately decide.
Beyond the champion’s return, much of the intrigue centers on the renewed rivalry with Journalism, another standout from last year’s crop. Trained by Michael McCarthy, the son of Curlin was a major presence throughout 2025, scoring in the Preakness Stakes (G1), Santa Anita Derby (G1) and Haskell Stakes (G1), while finishing runner-up to Sovereignty in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont.
That history adds an extra layer of tension to the matchup. Journalism will be seeking redemption, looking to reverse the narrative against his familiar rival after closing out his campaign with a fourth-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Del Mar, his most recent outing.
But this is far from a two-horse affair. Also lining up is White Abarrio (Race Day), a name that commands respect on any stage. With earnings exceeding $7.7 million, the C2 Racing runner brings a résumé that includes victories in elite events such as the Florida Derby (G1), Whitney Stakes (G1), Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) and the 2025 Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1).
Ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. and trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., White Abarrio represents proven class and consistency against the emerging brilliance of Sovereignty and Journalism. His presence elevates the entire field and ensures a tactical, demanding contest from the outset.
The six-horse lineup is completed by runners looking to spring an upset. From the rail, White Abarrio (121 lbs) is followed by Liberal Arts (Arrogate, 116), Sovereignty (123), Duke of Duval (Arrogate, 116), Journalism (119) and Publisher (American Pharoah, 118).
Liberal Arts presents an intriguing wildcard in his debut for trainer Heather Irion, having been acquired at the Fasig-Tipton Digital Sale in December. He showed ability earlier in his career, including a win in the Street Sense Stakes (G3) at two.
Meanwhile, Publisher enters in sharp form, riding a three-race winning streak for Steve Asmussen, highlighted by a victory in the American Pharoah Overnight Stakes last time out. Stablemate Duke of Duval completes the pair for Oaklawn’s all-time leading trainer, who recently recorded his 1,000th win at the track.
Adding further historical context, Sovereignty could become just the fourth reigning Horse of the Year to compete at Oaklawn, following in the footsteps of Favorite Trick (Phone Trick), Azeri (Jade Hunter) and the more recent Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna), all of whom left their mark at the venue.
Post time for the Oaklawn Handicap is scheduled for 6:20 p.m. local time as Race 11 on a 12-race card beginning at 12:45. With all eyes on him, Sovereignty will have the chance to prove that his reign was no fluke—but rather the beginning of a new dominant chapter.
