Forgetting Someone? Sovereignty and Journalism dominated the headlines leading into Saturday’s $1.25 million Oaklawn Handicap (G2), but it was White Abarrio who got the last laugh in a confident two-length triumph. The decorated Race Day roan proved he’s still one of the sport’s brightest stars with a vintage effort for trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. White Abarrio’s sixth career graded stakes victory joins a standout list of scores, which includes last year’s Pegasus World Cup (G1), the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) and 2022 Florida Derby (G1). As the 7-2 third choice in the Oaklawn Handicap, White Abarrio paid $9.20. Cornered the Competition There was no matching Burnham Square, who was utterly dominant in Saturday’s $400,000 Elkhorn (G2T) at Keeneland. Sent off as the heavy 6-5 choice, the Whitham Thoroughbreds gelding confidently lived up to his lofty billing by reaching the wire 9 ¾-lengths clear of his closest counterpart, Desvio (9-1). It was a triumphant return to the winner’s circle for Burnham Square after missing out on the top spot in five straight starts going back to last year’s Kentucky Derby (G1). The third graded conquest of the Liam’s Map bay’s career was his fourth overall from 12 starts (4-4-1; $1,988,645) and first since the 2025 Blue Grass (G1), also at Keeneland. Burnham Square paid $4.56. Flag Planted Stars and Stripes enjoyed a banner graded stakes debut after holding firm to take the $350,000 Ben Ali (G3), Saturday at Keeneland. Teamed with rider Luis Saez, the 4-year-old son of Not This Time–Pearl River opted for a patient approach as the eight-horse affair developed. The meticulous strategy paid dividends in the latter stages of the 1 3/16-mile contest, as Stars and Stripes had enough left in the tank to thwart a late push from stablemate Batten Down. The Bill Mott charge’s second consecutive win was his fourth from seven starts (4-1-1; $429,533) for owner Frassetto Stables. As the 8-5 choice, Stars and Stripes paid $5.30. Almighty Almendares Veteran Havana Grey (GB) gelding Almendares (GB) was trending in the right direction ahead of the $100,000 American Stakes (G3T) following a pair of thirds in the Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1T) and Frank E. Kilroe Mile (G2T). On Saturday at Santa Anita, the 6-year-old elevated his game once more to steal the one-mile turf tilt by a neck from 7-1 foe Genius Jimmy. It felt like an overdue result for Almendares, who put a hard-luck five-start dry spell (0-1-3) to rest with the hard-nosed effort. The dark bay, trained by Antonio Fresu, now stands at 6-5-6 from 23 lifetime starts ($643,695). As the 8-5 favourite Saturday, he paid $5.40. Fab Five A furious finish from Reb Five saw the sophomore colt vault ahead of rival Throckmorton late to claim the top spot in Sunday’s $300,000 Palisades Stakes at Keeneland. The 3-year-old son of Vekoma–Ill Will entered the 5 ½-furlong turf sprint in good form after an impressive three-length allowance win on March 6 at neighbouring Turfway Park. Reb Five remained on that upward trajectory in the Palisades to nab his first stakes score and third win form six starts overall (3-1-0; $296,363). Defying the odds at 16-1, Reb Five paid $34.36. Matthew Lomon, for Woodbine Share This:Share
