We knew it was going to be a battle of the big three, and so it was late with White Abarrio (Race Day) pulling rank to claim the GII Oaklawn Handicap over Horse of the Year Sovereignty (Into Mischief).In a surprising change of events, it was 4-5 favorite Sovereignty who stepped out to set the pace through an opening quarter in :23.13 and a half in:47.03 while his rival Journalism (Curlin) never let him far out of his sights. Usually the speed horse, White Abarrio found himself in third along the rail, but he contentedly watch the race unfold through six panels in 1:11.27 under a confident ride.Still in third as the 4-year-olds closed ranks turning for home, the grey wasn't back there long as he sailed by his inner challengers in the lane to registered a decisive victory. Sovereignty held off Journalism for second.The final time was 1:47.49. It was the fastest running of the Oaklawn Handicap since 1996.Sales history: $7,500 Ylg '20 OBSWIN; $40,000 2yo '21 OBSMAR. O- C2 Racing Stable, LLC, Barber, Gary and La Milagrosa Stable, LLC; B-Spendthrift Farm (KY); T-Saffie Joseph Jr. Seven years old, 25 career starts, over $7.7 million in earnings and still delivering on the big stage! WHITE ABARRIO wins the G2 Oaklawn Handicap under @iradortiz for trainer @SaffieJosephJr. pic.twitter.com/MuzS0KzIjS— NYRA () (@TheNYRA) April 18, 2026The post White Abarrio Takes Down Sovereignty, Journalism in Oaklawn Handicap appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.