Saturday, April 18, 2026

Further details, images and racing chart to follow

The old man got it done.

The 7-year-old White Abarrio stalked the more heralded pair of 2025 champion Sovereignty and his rival Journalism before surging to the front with a three-wide move at the top of the lane and drawing away to a two-length win in the $1.25 million Oaklawn Handicap Saturday at Oaklawn Park.

While most expected jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. to take the early lead with White Abarrio breaking from the inside post position, he was content to settle just behind 2025 Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty and 2025 Preakness Stakes winner Journalism through the early going.

The pair set professional-level spit times of :47.03 for the opening half-mile and 1:11.27 for the opening six furlongs before White Abarrio surged to the lead a the top of the stretch. Final time for the 1 1/8-miles was 1:47.49, the fastest Oaklawn Handicap since 1996.

The 7-2 third choice in the six-horse field, White Abarrio returned $9.20, $3.60 and $2.40. Sovereignty held on for second by 1 ¼-lengths over Journalism. Publisher, Duke of Duval and Liberal Arts, completed the order.