Oaklawn Handicap round three for Sovereignty, Journalism

For a time in the 1980s and early 1990s, the Oaklawn H. (G2) was so well positioned on the calendar that it routinely attracted marquee champions and elite older horses from both coasts. However, the frequency at which this occurred dropped considerably after the advent of the Dubai World Cup (G1), and again with the creation of the Saudi Cup (G1).

Not this year.

In what figures to be the most anticipated renewal of the $1.25 million feature in decades, the Oaklawn H. on Saturday will serve as the season debut for reigning Horse of the Year Sovereignty. Breaking a couple of stalls down in the 1 1/8-mile Oaklawn 'Cap will be Journalism, who won the Preakness (G1) in between finishing second to Sovereignty in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont (G1).

Sovereignty, the top weight at 123 pounds, has been installed the 4-5 morning line favorite. He won five of six starts last season, including a 10-length demolition of his rivals in the Travers (G1) when last seen in August.

An intended starter in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Del Mar in November, Sovereignty was forced to scratch after falling ill after shipping to California.

Journalism represented the three-year-old class in the Classic, but could only finish fourth behind older rivals Forever Young, Sierra Leone, and Fierceness. However, he had enjoyed an outstanding campaign up to that point, winning the Santa Anita Derby (G1) and Haskell (G1) in addition to his classic score at Pimlico.

Second to Fierceness in his first attempt against older rivals in the Pacific Classic (G1) last summer, Journalism will receive a four-pound concession from Sovereignty on Saturday.

The seven-year-old White Abarrio has enjoyed a stellar career that includes wins in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), Pegasus World Cup (G1), and Whitney (G1). However, he's been less consistent the last couple of seasons, and was unable to fend off stablemate Skippylongstocking in his Pegasus World Cup title defense three months ago.

At this time a year ago, the maiden Publisher had just finished second in the Arkansas Derby (G1). He then ran 14th to Sovereignty in the Kentucky Derby and lost four more races before finally graduating, in his 13th start, on Feb. 15. He has since won twice more, including the restricted American Pharoah S. on March 28.

Grade 3 veteran Liberal Arts has not started since Kentucky Derby Day last May, when he captured the restricted Knicks Go S. Duke of Duval, unplaced in two previous stakes attempts, looks entirely overmatched.

But the focus will be on Sovereignty and Journalism, a clash that will remind seasoned racing observers about some of those Oaklawn Handicaps of yore.