The 2026 Oaklawn Handicap (G1), held on April 18 at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas, promises a thrilling showdown reminiscent of classic heavyweight battles in horse racing. The race features top-tier older male horses, including last year’s Horse of the Year Sovereignty, who dominated the 2025 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes but is returning after a 7 ½ month layoff. Other elite contenders include Journalism, winner of the 2025 Preakness and Haskell Stakes, and White Abarrio, the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, both coming off recent strong performances.

The field also includes notable horses like Liberal Arts, Publisher, and Duke of Duval, with varying recent form and experience at the distance. Sovereignty and Journalism, both coming off layoffs, are expected to be the main rivals, with Journalism favored to win. The race, run over 1 1/8 miles with a $1.25 million purse, will be broadcast on FS2 and FanDuel TV, offering fans a high-stakes, competitive event that harks back to the golden era of handicap racing.