Sovereignty Gets First Gallop at Oaklawn Wednesday

Sovereignty Gets First Gallop at Oaklawn Wednesday

Edited Press Release Reigning Horse of the Year Sovereignty (Into Mischief) got his first feel of the Oaklawn racing surface Wednesday morning, galloping a mile in advance of his 2026 debut in Saturday's $1.2-million GII Oaklawn Handicap. Escorted to the track by his Hall of Fame trainer, Bill Mott, Sovereignty visited the indoor paddock and galloped after the first surface renovation break. “Easy day,” Mott said. “He was ready to do something. …

Head to Head: Split decision in the Oaklawn Handicap

Saturday’s Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap brings Sovereignty and Journalism back together for another round after Sovereignty got the better of his rival in the Belmont Stakes. The rematch may grab the headlines, but veteran White Abarrio, the improving Publisher, and two longshots have a say in how this 1 1/8-mile race unfolds. Featured as race 11 of 12, the Oaklawn Handicap post time is 7:20 p.m. EDT.  We inspect every angle of each runner and draw …

McCarthy looking for second Oaklawn Handicap win with Journalism

Journalism has made an impression in his local gallops since arriving from his Southern California base for a Saturday clash with reigning Horse of the Year Sovereignty in the Grade 2, $1.25 million Oaklawn Handicap – and trainer Michael McCarthy likes the transition last year's Preakness winner has made from age 3 to 4.