Journalism arrives in Arkansas for Oaklawn Handicap
As three-time Grade 1 winner Journalism was flying from Los Angeles to Hot Springs on Sunday, the draw was taking place at Oaklawn Park for its biggest race of the year in the handicap division—the $1.25 million Oaklawn Handicap (G2), to be run on April 18.
Despite a field of only six, the 1 1/8-mile race instantly becomes an early frontrunner for race of the year due to the presence of three of racing’s brightest stars: Journalism, White Abarrio, and Sovereignty—the trio having earned a collective near-$18 million to date. White Abarrio, the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner, figures to be the early pacesetter from his rail draw in a field full of potent late runners. His trainer, Saffie Joseph Jr., is winning at a 35% rate this year at Oaklawn, including a resounding victory in last weekend’s prestigious Apple Blossom (G1) with Claret Beret.
But it’s the renewal of a well-publicized rivalry between two of last year’s best colts from a vintage crop of 3-year-olds that will command the spotlight. Journalism vs. Sovereignty represents a collision of two superstars set to meet for the third time—both making their seasonal debuts as 4-year-olds. It’s a matchup most racing fans likely didn’t expect to see this early on the calendar, and one that could set the stage for an exciting seven months ahead.
After all, it’s rare to see a pair of three-time Grade 1-winning 3-year-olds this talented and this well-bred continue on to race at four. In this case, both have remained in training—and now the sport is rewarded with a mid-April showdown that feels like a true luxury.
Reigning Horse of the Year Sovereignty—who breaks from post four on Saturday—holds a 2-0 advantage over Journalism, following victories in last year’s Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1), races in which Journalism finished runner-up. This time, the Classic-winning son of Curlin will look to turn the tables.
Trained by Michael McCarthy, the offseason appears to have done Journalism well following an eight-race, coast-to-coast campaign against top competition a year ago. The horse nicknamed the “gorilla” has never looked the part more, having added weight and strength as a 4-year-old after a winter at Bridlewood Farm in Ocala.
Journalism enters off a steady work tab that includes six consecutive five-furlong drills at Santa Anita, with his most recent move on April 10 signaling to the team that he is ready to roll.
“Journalism has had a strong series of works, and the time and spacing were right to start his 2026 campaign,” said McCarthy, who sent Journalism to Arkansas accompanied by assistant trainer Felipe Rivera and exercise rider Marc Witkowski.
Jockey Jose Ortiz, who rode Journalism in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic, will once again have the call from post five. He will sport the familiar blue and orange silks of owner Michael Tabor for the first time in the Oaklawn Handicap, with Coolmore—the future home for Journalism at stud—joining the ownership group alongside Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Bob LaPenta, and Don Alberto, the colt’s breeder.
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