Man O Rose ends layoff with another E.B. Johnston Stakes victory

CYPRESS, Calif. - Man O Rose won for the fifth time in 2024 in the E.B. Johnston Stakes at Los Alamitos last September.

A year later, Man O Rose won the same race for statebred milers on dirt at Los Alamitos on Saturday, but this time the victory represented the start of his 2025 campaign.

Ridden by Edwin Maldonado, Man O Rose led throughout the $75,000 Johnston Stakes, pulling clear by 5 1/4 lengths in the long stretch. Despite the layoff, Man O Rose was a heavy favorite, paying $2.80.

Maldonado said race strategy called for Man O Rose to be sent to the front.

“I was on the best horse,” Maldonado said. “I didn’t want to take any chances. I studied the race and it came up soft.”

Man O Rose set a fair pace of 22.82 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 46.20 for a half-mile, leading by 1 1/2 lengths.

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“He’s been training like a monster,” said Maldonado, who has been aboard the 5-year-old gelding in recent workouts. “He got the job done.”

Man O Rose was timed in 1:35.52, and won for the eighth time in his 15th start. He earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 96.

Stamp My Passport (8-1) was second throughout and finished 1 3/4 lengths in front of 22-1 Mystic Spirit. Left Hand Man, Chismosa and Shortman completed the order of finish.

Man O Rose, who has earned $380,965, races for owners and breeders Bruce and Beverly Seitz and trainer Jeff Mullins. The two runnings of the Johnston are Man O Rose’s only stakes wins.

Mullins said Man O Rose’s forthcoming campaign will focus on California-bred races. The statebred older horse division lacks a clear leader following the retirement this year of the multiple stakes winners Kings River Knight and The Chosen Vron.

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