The 2025 GI Preakness Stakes winner Journalism (Curlin) will ship to Hot Springs for the Apr. 18 running of the GII Oaklawn Handicap where the colt could face reigning Horse of the Year Sovereignty (Into Mischief), according to a Friday post on X by co-owner Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners.
The tweet read, “JOURNALISM turned in a strong 5-panel move at Santa Anita Park in 1:00 3/5 this a.m. and has been declared all set by Michael McCarthy to make his seasonal debut in next Saturday's GII $1.25 million Oaklawn Handicap with Jose Ortiz booked to sport Michael Tabor's famous silks. #BelieveBig.”
Sovereignty won the GI Kentucky Derby and GI Belmont Stakes in 2025, while Journalism served as the runner-up. The colts were slated to face one another in the GI Longines Breeders' Classic at Del Mar, but Sovereignty was forced to scratch due to a fever.
Sovereignty was named the Champion Three-Year-Old Colt.
Both Sovereignty and Journalism would be making their first starts as 4-year-olds. Also under consideration for the Oaklawn Handicap is GI Pegasus World Cup winner Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator).
The draw for the race will take place over the weekend.
JOURNALISM turned in a strong 5-panel move @santaanitapark in 1:00 3/5 this am and has been declared all set by @mwmracing to make his seasonal debut in next Saturday's G2, $1.25 million @OaklawnPark Handicap with @jose93_ortiz booked to sport Michael Tabor's famous silks…. pic.twitter.com/CCS876lbPe
— Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners (@EclipseTBP) April 10, 2026
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