Sovereignty, the Horse of the Year, faces the challenge of older horses in the Oaklawn Handicap

The champion is ready to return and could face several dangerous rivals; the final field will be set next week

Sovereignty set for comeback/ ADAM COGLIANESE / NYRA

HOT SPRINGS, AR (Special to Turf Diario)— The sound of hooves at Hot Springs carries a special intensity this week. The Oaklawn Park racing department confirmed Thursday morning that reigning Horse of the Year Sovereigntyheadlines the list of probables for the $1,250,000 Oaklawn Handicap (G2), to be held April 18 over 1 1/8 miles.

For the Godolphin homebred, this marks more than just a return to action; it is his 4-year-old debut and, significantly, his first encounter against older horses. Conditioned by the legendary Bill Mott—who led the standings at this circuit back in 1986—the son of Into Mischief hasn't competed since his dominant 10-length score in the Travers Stakes (G1) at Saratoga last August. After a nearly flawless 3-year-old campaign featuring victories in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1), he now looks to continue the dominance of the Dubai-based powerhouse, which previously won this race with Proxy (2023) and First Mission (2025).

While the field is projected at five to eight runners, quality is guaranteed. Among the confirmed starters is multi-millionaire Grade 1 winner White Abarrio (Race Day), trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., who provides veteran class to the lineup. Also expected is Grade 3 winner Liberal Arts (Arrogate), trained by Heather Irion.

Argentine champion Subsanador (Fortify) was under consideration, though a final decision on his participation remains pending. The chestnut recently returned to action with a fourth-place finish in the San Carlos Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita.

Sovereignty will become the fourth reigning Horse of the Year to compete at Oaklawn, joining an elite list that includes Favorite Trick (who suffered his first defeat here in 1998), the legendary Hall of Famer Azeri, and last year's standout Thorpedo Anna.