From Los Alamitos Publicity
CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 9, 2023) –Kings River Knight, who is 1-for-1 at Los Alamitos, tops the nominations to the $75,000-guaranteed E.B. Johnston Stakes.
The one-mile race for 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California will be run Saturday, September 16, the second day of the September meet at Los Alamitos. The six-day season will continue through Sunday, September 24.
Owned by Integrity Thoroughbred Racing and trained by John Sadler, Kings River Knight, a 5-year-old gelded son of Acclamation, went gate-to-wire as the favorite in the Bertrando Stakes in his Los Alamitos debut during the Los Angeles County Fair meet earlier this year.
Kings River Knight, who was bred by Old English Rancho, has won five of 11 and earned $324,760.
Other nominees to the Johnston include five-time winner Hail Freedom, Shortman, who has won three of six starts at Los Alamitos, Geezer, who broke his maiden during the 2022 September meet, Finneus, Logon to Win and Johnny Podres.
The nominees for the Los Alamitos Special, which will be run Sunday, September 17, include Tripoli, winner of the Grade I Pacific Classic in 2021 for Hronis Racing LLC and Sadler.
The 6-year-old son of Kitten’s Joy could become a millionaire if he wins the Special, which will be contested at 1 1/16 miles. Tripoli has banked $968,760 while winning five of 27.
The other Los Alamitos Special noms include American Admiral, last out winners Arham and Celestial Moon, Handy Dandy, a recent $80,000 claim by trainer Bob Hess, Jr. for a partnership, It’s My House, Kiss Today Goodbye and Salesman.
The purse for the Special will be increased from $75,000 to $100,000 by the Los Alamitos Racing Association and track owner Dr. Edward Allred if the race has six or more starters.
Entries for the Johnston will be taken Wednesday, September 13 while entries for the Los Alamitos Special will be drawn Thursday, September 14.