Edited Press Release
Reigning Horse of the Year Sovereignty (Into Mischief) got his first feel of the Oaklawn racing surface Wednesday morning, galloping a mile in advance of his 2026 debut in Saturday's $1.2-million GII Oaklawn Handicap.
Escorted to the track by his Hall of Fame trainer, Bill Mott, Sovereignty visited the indoor paddock and galloped after the first surface renovation break.
“Easy day,” Mott said. “He was ready to do something. He was happy that he was able to do something.”
The Oaklawn Handicap will mark the 4-year-old debut of Sovereignty, who won five of six starts last year for Mott and breeder/owner Godolphin, including two legs of the Triple Crown. Sovereignty was also North America's champion 3-year-old male of 2025.
Sovereignty hasn't started since a 10-length romp in the GI Travers Stakes at 1 1/4 miles Aug. 23 at Saratoga. Sovereignty, who has never faced older horses, vanned to Oaklawn after previously being based in South Florida. He arrived Tuesday morning.
“It's a long trip, but it was a good trip,” Mott said. “Sovereignty unloaded good and looked fine and ate up well and seems like he's got good energy.”
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