Skippylongstocking travels to Oaklawn Park and goes for the Essex Handicap

Following his frustrated performance in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1), the latest Pegasus World Cup (G1) winner returns to the fray

Skippylongstocking, a horse that makes himself loved / ADAM COGLIANESE

HOT SPRINGS, Arkansas (Special to Turf Diario)—With the momentum of the best performance of his career, Skippylongstocking returns to the stage this Saturday as the star figure of the Essex Handicap (G3), to be held at Oaklawn Park over 1,800 meters.

The trainee of Saffie Joseph Jr., defending the colors of Daniel Alonso, is coming off a resounding victory in the Pegasus World Cup (G1), where he defeated none other than White Abarrio (Race Day), consolidating himself as one of the most reliable stayers on the American circuit.

Initially aimed at the Santa Anita Handicap (G1), the son of Exaggerator had to modify his schedule following an issue at the time of shipping to California. Now, with renewed energy, he will seek to extend his great form while carrying the top weight of 124 pounds against seven rivals.

Among his main adversaries is Accelerize, one of the names in clear upward progression. The son of Omaha Beacharrives after an outstanding performance in the Mineshaft Stakes (G3) at Fair Grounds, where he was second by just a head to the Dubai World Cup (G1) champion, Hit Show (Candy Ride).

Another point of focus will be on Doc Sullivan (Solomini), who will start for only the second time in his career outside of New York. Prepared by Tristar Farm, he is coming off a runner-up finish to Be You (Curlin) in the Toboggan Stakes(L) at Aqueduct, although he faces a significant challenge: he has never won beyond a mile, which adds a question mark regarding his performance at this distance.

The rest of the field is completed by Mackman (Union Rags), Duke of Duval (Arrogate), Gould’s Gold (Goldencents), Runaway Again (Hard Spun), and San Siro (Classic Empire), in a context where Skippylongstocking's favoritism seems clear, yet not exempt from threats.

With the class brought from his Pegasus triumph and the experience of a seven-year-old veteran, Skippylongstockingwill attempt to confirm his dominance at Oaklawn and continue writing important chapters in a campaign that, far from fading, seems to have reached its highest point.