Kings River Knight turns on the speed in California Flag Handicap

ARCADIA, Calif. - Kings River Knight ran so quickly in winning the $101,000 California Flag Handicap for statebreds on the hillside turf course at Santa Anita on Sunday that he threatened a six-month-old course record.

Kings River Knight ($3.60) closed from fourth of seven to win the California Flag Handicap, finishing about 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:10.75. Noble Reflection holds the course record of 1:10.52 set in April.

Kings River Knight earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 96 in Sunday's race.

The California Flag was Kings River Knight’s fourth stakes win of 2023 against California-breds for owners Integrity Thoroughbreds, the estate of the late Bud Johnston, and Kenneth Tevelde.

Ridden by leading jockey Juan Hernandez, Kings River Knight tracked the speedy Brickyard Ride through sharp early fractions of 20.97 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 42.95 for a half-mile, trailing by three lengths.

“Juan was comfortable with Brickyard so fast,” Sadler said.

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Kings River Knight moved closer to the front in early stretch, after the field crossed the main track and onto the turf oval. Kings River Knight led by a half-length with a furlong remaining and won by 1 1/2 lengths over 20-1 Johnny Podres. None Above the Law, a 5-1 chance who was second in the 2022 California Flag, finished third.

Brickyard Ride, an eight-time stakes winners, faded to finish fourth, followed by Irish Heatwave, Billy’s Bet and Lil Nas.

Kings River Knight, a 5-year-old gelding by Acclamation, has won 7 of 13 starts and earned $426,010. He has earned $281,750 by winning 4 of 7 starts this year.

Kings River Knight won three one-mile stakes earlier this year – the Crystal Water Stakes on turf at Santa Anita in May, and the Bertrando Stakes in June and E.B. Johnston Stakes last month at Los Alamitos, both on dirt.

Kings River Knight will be rested for the remainder of the year before he is pointed to a similar campaign in 2024.

“We’re trying to keep him with statebreds,” Sadler said. “I think that’s enough for this year.”

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