McCarthy Confident Journalism Ready to Shine at Oaklawn in Round 3 vs. Sovereignty
Hot Springs, Ark. — April 18, 2026.
Trainer Michael McCarthy is eager to see if Journalism can turn the tables on his familiar rival Sovereignty when the two meet again in the $1.25 million Oaklawn Handicap (G2) — a much-anticipated rematch between two of last year’s standouts in the older-horse division.
The pair split national headlines throughout 2025, with Sovereignty holding the upper hand in their first two confrontations. But McCarthy believes that a new year, a new setting, and a fresh training pattern could tilt the balance in Journalism’s favor when they square off over 1 1/8 miles this afternoon at Oaklawn Park.
“He’s matured a lot since those races last season,” McCarthy said earlier in the week. “He’s always trained like a horse who would appreciate a track like Oaklawn — that deeper surface, that long stretch. I think it plays to his strengths.”
Journalism, now a 4-year-old son of Curlin, makes his first start since finishing fourth in the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) on November 1 at Del Mar, a race in which Sovereignty also ran prominently. The chestnut colt has been training forwardly at Santa Anita Park, breezing multiple sharp drills that suggest he’s coming back to peak form.
McCarthy pointed to the colt’s versatile running style — able to settle off the pace or press when needed — as an asset in a field expected to feature tactical speed. “He’s a smart horse,” he said. “He puts himself in the right spot and doesn’t waste energy. That’s going to be key in this race.”
Sovereignty, trained by Todd Pletcher, captured both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes last year en route to Horse of the Year honors, and headlines the six-horse field. The Oaklawn Handicap marks the third meeting between the two champions, and it’s poised to be one of the highlights of Oaklawn’s spring season.
Journalism, owned by Wertheimer and Frere, has amassed more than $3.1 million in career earnings from a record of 6 wins, 3 seconds, and 2 thirds from 13 starts. McCarthy said his colt has developed physically since last fall and returns to competition “looking the part of a complete horse.”
“This is the right place and the right race to bring him back,” McCarthy added. “He’s a competitor. I think he’s ready to give a big account of himself.”
Post time for the Oaklawn Handicap (G2) is 5:52 p.m. CT, and the stage is set for Round Three in one of racing’s emerging rivalries.
